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Questions and Answers
Which of the following structures is responsible for generating the first synapse in the olfactory pathway?
Which of the following structures is responsible for generating the first synapse in the olfactory pathway?
Which of the following statements accurately describes the olfactory epithelium?
Which of the following statements accurately describes the olfactory epithelium?
What is the primary function of the olfactory glands?
What is the primary function of the olfactory glands?
Why is the sense of smell more acute in dogs than in humans?
Why is the sense of smell more acute in dogs than in humans?
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What is the role of odorant-binding proteins in olfaction?
What is the role of odorant-binding proteins in olfaction?
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Which of the following accurately describes the process of olfactory reception?
Which of the following accurately describes the process of olfactory reception?
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Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the olfactory pathway?
Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the olfactory pathway?
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Why is the sense of smell important for gustation?
Why is the sense of smell important for gustation?
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What is the mechanism by which the body replenishes olfactory sensory neurons?
What is the mechanism by which the body replenishes olfactory sensory neurons?
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Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the number of detectable odors?
Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the number of detectable odors?
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Study Notes
Special Senses: Olfaction and Gustation
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Olfaction (Smell):
- Involves olfactory receptors reacting to airborne chemicals.
- Olfactory organs are located in the nasal cavity.
- Composed of two layers: olfactory epithelium and lamina propria.
- Olfactory epithelium contains olfactory sensory neurons, supporting cells, and basal epithelial cells (stem cells).
- Lamina propria has areolar tissue, blood vessels, and nerves, including olfactory glands secreting mucus.
- Olfaction begins with odorant binding to G-protein-coupled receptors, generating a generator potential (depolarization).
- Signals travel along olfactory tracts to the olfactory cortex, hypothalamus, and limbic system. Olfactory information reaches the cerebral cortex directly, unlike other sensory input.
- Humans can distinguish thousands of different chemicals; dogs have a superior sense of smell (72 times more olfactory receptor surface area, and thus, 10,000 times better).
- Olfactory receptors are replaced regularly, but overall neuron numbers can decrease with age.
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Gustation (Taste):
- Involves gustatory receptors responding to dissolved chemicals.
- Gustatory epithelial cells (taste receptors) are found in taste buds.
- Taste buds are found on the superior surface of the tongue and parts of the pharynx and larynx, associated with lingual papillae (bumps on the tongue's surface).
- Types of lingual papillae include filiform (no taste buds), fungiform (few taste buds), vallate (many taste buds), and foliate (taste buds).
- Taste buds contain basal epithelial cells (stem cells).
- Gustatory epithelial cells have microvilli that extend into taste pores.
- These cells are replaced every 10 days.
- Innervated by cranial nerves that synapse in the solitary nucleus of the medulla oblongata, then travel to the thalamus and gustatory complex of the insula.
- Four primary taste sensations: sweet, sour, salty, and bitter.
- Additional tastes include umami (savory, from glutamate) and water (detected by receptors in the pharynx).
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Description
Explore the fascinating world of olfaction and gustation in this quiz. Learn about the structure and functions of olfactory receptors, how smells are processed, and the difference between human and canine senses of smell. Test your knowledge on the anatomy and physiology behind these special senses.
