Anatomy & Physiology: The Unity of Form and Function, 7th Edition

Published by McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 10: 0073403717
ISBN 13: 978-0-07340-371-7

Chapter 16 - Section 16.3 - Study Guide - Assess Your Learning Outcomes - Page 625: 6

Answer

The olfactory mucosa is a specialized tissue located within the nasal cavity that is responsible for detecting and transmitting smells (odors) to the brain. It contains olfactory receptor cells, which are sensory neurons specialized in detecting various odor molecules. Here's a breakdown of the structure and location of the olfactory mucosa and its receptor cells: **Structure of Olfactory Mucosa:** The olfactory mucosa is a thin and delicate layer of tissue that lines the upper part of the nasal cavity, just below the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone. The olfactory mucosa contains several key components: 1. **Olfactory Receptor Cells:** These are specialized neurons responsible for detecting odor molecules in the air. Each olfactory receptor cell has hair-like projections called olfactory cilia, which extend into the nasal cavity and contain receptors for different odor molecules. 2. **Supporting Cells:** These cells provide structural support and maintenance for the olfactory receptor cells. They also help in the transport of mucus that carries odor molecules to the olfactory cilia. 3. **Basal Cells:** These are precursor cells that can differentiate into new olfactory receptor cells to replace damaged or aging cells. 4. **Bowman's Glands:** These glands secrete mucus that helps trap and dissolve odor molecules, allowing them to interact with the olfactory receptor cells. **Location of Olfactory Mucosa:** The olfactory mucosa is situated within the upper part of the nasal cavity, near the roof of the nasal passages and just below the brain's frontal lobes. It extends along the nasal septum (the partition between the nostrils) and the lateral walls of the nasal cavity. **Olfactory Receptor Cells:** Olfactory receptor cells are the key players in detecting odors. These specialized neurons are equipped with receptors that can interact with specific odor molecules. The olfactory cilia, which are hair-like projections extending from the receptor cells into the nasal cavity, contain these receptors. When airborne odor molecules come into contact with the olfactory cilia, they bind to the receptors on the cilia's surface. Upon binding, the receptor cells generate electrical signals that are transmitted along their axons, bundled together to form the olfactory nerve. These axons pass through small openings in the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone and enter the olfactory bulb—a structure at the base of the brain responsible for initial processing of olfactory information. From the olfactory bulb, information is relayed to higher brain regions, including the olfactory cortex, where odor perception and recognition take place. In summary, the olfactory mucosa, located in the nasal cavity, contains olfactory receptor cells equipped with cilia that detect odor molecules. These receptor cells transmit signals to the brain, initiating the complex process of olfaction, or the sense of smell.

Work Step by Step

The olfactory mucosa is a specialized tissue located within the nasal cavity that is responsible for detecting and transmitting smells (odors) to the brain. It contains olfactory receptor cells, which are sensory neurons specialized in detecting various odor molecules. Here's a breakdown of the structure and location of the olfactory mucosa and its receptor cells: **Structure of Olfactory Mucosa:** The olfactory mucosa is a thin and delicate layer of tissue that lines the upper part of the nasal cavity, just below the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone. The olfactory mucosa contains several key components: 1. **Olfactory Receptor Cells:** These are specialized neurons responsible for detecting odor molecules in the air. Each olfactory receptor cell has hair-like projections called olfactory cilia, which extend into the nasal cavity and contain receptors for different odor molecules. 2. **Supporting Cells:** These cells provide structural support and maintenance for the olfactory receptor cells. They also help in the transport of mucus that carries odor molecules to the olfactory cilia. 3. **Basal Cells:** These are precursor cells that can differentiate into new olfactory receptor cells to replace damaged or aging cells. 4. **Bowman's Glands:** These glands secrete mucus that helps trap and dissolve odor molecules, allowing them to interact with the olfactory receptor cells. **Location of Olfactory Mucosa:** The olfactory mucosa is situated within the upper part of the nasal cavity, near the roof of the nasal passages and just below the brain's frontal lobes. It extends along the nasal septum (the partition between the nostrils) and the lateral walls of the nasal cavity. **Olfactory Receptor Cells:** Olfactory receptor cells are the key players in detecting odors. These specialized neurons are equipped with receptors that can interact with specific odor molecules. The olfactory cilia, which are hair-like projections extending from the receptor cells into the nasal cavity, contain these receptors. When airborne odor molecules come into contact with the olfactory cilia, they bind to the receptors on the cilia's surface. Upon binding, the receptor cells generate electrical signals that are transmitted along their axons, bundled together to form the olfactory nerve. These axons pass through small openings in the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone and enter the olfactory bulb—a structure at the base of the brain responsible for initial processing of olfactory information. From the olfactory bulb, information is relayed to higher brain regions, including the olfactory cortex, where odor perception and recognition take place. In summary, the olfactory mucosa, located in the nasal cavity, contains olfactory receptor cells equipped with cilia that detect odor molecules. These receptor cells transmit signals to the brain, initiating the complex process of olfaction, or the sense of smell.
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