Nose

Supporting Cell

Function as metabolic and physical support for the olfactory cells.

Cribriform Plate of Ethmoid Bone

It supports the olfactory bulb and is perforated by foramina for the passage of the olfactory nerves.

Olfactory Cilia

Many tiny hair-like cilia protrude from the olfactory receptor cell's dendrite into the mucus covering the surface of the olfactory epithelium. The surface of these cilia is covered with olfactory receptors, a type of G protein-coupled receptor.

Olfactory Bulb

Olfactory bulb, structure located in the forebrain of vertebrates that receives neural input about odors detected by cells in the nasal cavity. The axons of olfactory receptor (smell receptor) cells extend directly into the highly organized olfactory bulb, where information about odors is processed.

Olfactory Receptor Cell

Olfactory receptors (ORs), also known as odorant receptors, are expressed in the cell membranes of olfactory receptor neurons and are responsible for the detection of odorants (i.e., compounds that have an odor) which give rise to the sense of smell.

Olfactory Epithelium

Organ for the sense of smell that sits inside the nasal cavity.

Olfactory Filaments

Penetrate the cribriform plate of the Ethmoid bone and proceed as the olfactory nerved (cranial nerve I) to synapse in the olfactory bulbs lying on ether side of the crista galli of the Ethmoid bone. Impulses from neurons of the olfactory bulbs are then conveyed to the olfactory portion of the cortex.

Olfactory Mucosa

The olfactory mucosa is located in the upper region of the nasal cavity and is made up of the olfactory epithelium and the underlying lamina propria, connective tissue containing fibroblasts, blood vessels, Bowman's glands and bundles of fine axons from the olfactory neurons.

Olfactory Tract

The olfactory tract is a bundle of axons connecting the mitral and tufted cells of the olfactory bulb to several target regions in the brain, including piriform cortex, amygdala, and entorhinal cortex. It is a narrow white band, triangular on coronal section, the apex being directed upward.

Chemoreceptors

The receptors for smell (olfaction) and taste (gustation). They respond to chemicals in solution.

Mucus Layer

The thin walled veins on which the nasal mucosa rests function to warm air entering the respiratory passage. Due to the high concentration of blood vessels in the nasal cavity, changes in these blood vessels contribute to nasal congestion.

Afferent Filaments of the Olfactory Nerve

Transmit nerve impulses about odors to the central nervous system, where they are perceived by the sense of smell (olfaction).