Olfactory Epithelium Structure

The main components are sustentacular cells, olfactory receptor cells, and basal epithelial cells.

The nuclei of the sustentacular cells tend to be in the top portion of the layer and are covered by cilia and microvilli.

Bowman's glands secrete gel-forming mucin and proteins like lysozyme, amylase, and IgA. They may also produce odorant binding protein.

<p>Olfactory neurons are bipolar neurons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The apical dendrites of olfactory neurons end in many cilia, which protrude from the olfactory receptor into the mucus.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Adenylyl cyclase (AC) and cyclic AMP (cAMP) are involved in the activation of olfactory receptors by mediating the opening of ion channels in the cell membrane.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Calcium influx occurs after the cAMP-activated channel opens, and it leads to the formation of calmodulin (CaM), which further regulates the closure of the cAMP-activated channel.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>CaMKII is activated by the presence of calmodulin (CaM) and phosphorylates adenylyl cyclase III (ACIII) to reduce cAMP production, as well as activates phosphodiesterase (PDE) to hydrolyze cAMP.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Olfactory neurons synapse in the olfactory bulbs and then send signals via the olfactory tract to the olfactory cortex. Some signals also go to the frontal lobe for conscious interpretation, such as fight or flight responses through the sympathetic autonomic nervous system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Each olfactory receptor binds to a variety of odor molecules, activating a certain set of glomeruli in the olfactory bulb. This results in unique odorant profiles and specific glomerular activation patterns.</p> Signup and view all the answers