Olfactory epithelium

The olfactory epithelium is specialized tissue in the upper nasal cavity containing odor-detecting sensory neurons, supporting cells, and basal stem cells.

Olfactory sensory neuron: A bipolar neuron whose cilia detect odorants and whose axon carries signals to the olfactory bulb. These neurons are the epithelium’s odor-detecting and signal-transmitting cells.
Olfactory mucosa: The tissue lining the upper nasal cavity that includes olfactory epithelium and underlying connective tissue. The epithelium is one layer within this broader sensory lining.
Anosmia: The complete inability to perceive odors. Damage or dysfunction of the olfactory epithelium can eliminate odor detection.
Respiratory epithelium: A ciliated pseudostratified lining that filters, warms, and humidifies airways. Unlike the olfactory epithelium, it primarily conditions airflow rather than detecting odors.
Olfactory receptor: A G protein-coupled receptor on olfactory sensory neuron cilia that binds odorant molecules. Receptor proteins on these neurons begin chemical detection in the tissue.
Lamina propria: The connective tissue layer beneath an epithelium, containing vessels, nerves, and other structures. Beneath the olfactory epithelium, it houses glands and bundles of sensory axons.
Olfactory neuroepithelium regeneration: The replacement of olfactory sensory neurons and other cells from progenitors in the olfactory epithelium. Ongoing cell renewal helps restore sensory function after some forms of injury.
Taste bud: A cluster of specialized taste cells that detects dissolved chemicals in the mouth. It detects chemical stimuli like olfactory tissue, but in a different organ and modality.
Odorant receptor signaling pathway: The intracellular cascade that converts odorant binding into electrical activity in an olfactory sensory neuron. This cascade turns receptor activation into the neurons’ firing signal.
Bowman's gland: A serous gland in the olfactory mucosa that secretes fluid onto the epithelial surface. Its secretion helps dissolve and clear odorants around the sensory cilia.

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