Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 27, 2026
15:40
An Effective Manual Deboning Method To Prepare Intact Mouse Nasal Tissue With Preserved Anatomical Organization
Published on: August 10, 2013
38.4K
Olfactory immunity: defending the neural-mucosal barrier.
Skye Y Tracey1,2, E Ashley Moseman1
1Department of Integrative Immunobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, United States.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|March 24, 2026
Summary
The sense of smell, olfaction, is vital for survival and social interaction. This review explores the olfactory system
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Sensory Biology
Background:
- Olfaction (sense of smell) detects airborne chemicals, crucial for survival and social behaviors.
- The olfactory system, though vital and conserved in mammals, is often overlooked in immunological studies.
- It presents a unique mucosal surface with direct links to the central nervous system (CNS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the fundamental structures of the olfactory system.
- To discuss common pathogens that infect the olfactory system.
- To highlight current understanding of local immune responses within this system.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of olfactory system anatomy.
- Analysis of pathogens affecting the olfactory system.
- Synthesis of research on olfactory system immunity.
Main Results:
- The olfactory system's basic structures and conserved mammalian anatomy are detailed.
- Pathogens targeting the olfactory system and their impact are identified.
- Expanding knowledge on the local immune mechanisms within the olfactory system is presented.
Conclusions:
- The olfactory system, a critical sensory organ, possesses unique immunological relevance due to its mucosal nature and CNS connectivity.
- Further research into the immune mechanisms of the olfactory system is warranted.
- Understanding these immune responses can offer new insights into host defense and neurological health.
Related Concept Videos
01:03Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure
14.3K
The process of olfaction, also known as the sense of smell, is a sophisticated chemical response system. The specialized sensory neurons that facilitate this process, known as olfactory receptor neurons, are situated in an upper segment of the nasal cavity, known as the olfactory epithelium. Olfactory sensory neurons are bipolar, with their dendrites extending from the epithelium's apex into the mucus that lines the nasal cavity. Airborne molecules, when inhaled, traverse the olfactory...
14.3K
01:25Olfaction
49.8K
The sense of smell is achieved through the activities of the olfactory system. It starts when an airborne odorant enters the nasal cavity and reaches olfactory epithelium (OE). The OE is protected by a thin layer of mucus, which also serves the purpose of dissolving more complex compounds into simpler chemical odorants. The size of the OE and the density of sensory neurons varies among species; in humans, the OE is only about 9-10 cm2.
The olfactory receptors are embedded in the cilia of the...
The olfactory receptors are embedded in the cilia of the...
49.8K
01:20Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway
14.0K
Humans detect odors with the help of specialized cells located in the upper part of the nasal cavity, called olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs). ORNs possess hair-like structures called cilia, which are receptive to sensations from the inhaled air. When an odorant molecule binds to a specific receptor on the cell of the cilia, it leads to a series of events that ultimately cause the ORN to send electrical signals to the olfactory bulb in the brain through the olfactory nerves.
The olfactory...
The olfactory...
14.0K
01:26Defense Mechanism Against Infection
10.7K
Natural flora, body system defenses, and inflammation are natural barriers of the body against infectious agents regardless of previous exposure. Normal floras of the human body refer to the microbial population that colonizes the skin and mucous membranes.
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...
10.7K
01:18Surface Membrane Barriers
3.3K
The skin and mucous membranes serve as the primary line of defense against pathogens by providing both physical and chemical protection. These barriers are essential in preventing the entry and establishment of microbes, thereby maintaining the integrity of the host.
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
3.3K
01:29Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract
16
The human respiratory tract, comprising the upper and lower segments, serves as a critical interface with the external environment. The upper respiratory tract (URT)—including the nostrils, sinuses, pharynx, and oropharynx—is heavily colonized by microbes, while the lower respiratory tract (LRT), composed of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, was long thought to be sterile. However, recent molecular studies have revealed that the lungs are not devoid of microbes but act more...
16