Olfactory transduction
Olfactory Transduction
Olfactory transduction (pronunciation: ol-fak-tuh-ree trans-duhk-shuhn) is a process that converts odor signals into a neural response by the olfactory cells in the nose. The term is derived from the Latin words 'olfactus' meaning 'smelled' and 'transductio' meaning 'leading across'.
Process
The process of olfactory transduction begins when an odor molecule, or Odorant, binds to a specific receptor protein on the surface of an Olfactory receptor neuron. This binding triggers a series of biochemical events within the neuron, leading to the production of a nerve impulse. The impulse is then transmitted to the brain, where it is interpreted as a specific smell.
Olfactory Receptor Neurons
Olfactory receptor neurons are specialized sensory cells located in the Olfactory epithelium of the nose. Each neuron expresses only one type of odorant receptor, and all neurons that express the same receptor send their nerve impulses to the same place in the brain, forming an Olfactory map.
Olfactory Map
An Olfactory map is a spatial distribution of olfactory receptor neuron activity in the brain. It represents the brain's interpretation of the chemical information received from the nose. The map is thought to be involved in the perception of smell and the discrimination between different odors.
Related Terms
- Odorant: A molecule that can be detected by the olfactory system.
- Olfactory receptor neuron: A sensory cell in the nose that detects odorants and transmits this information to the brain.
- Olfactory epithelium: The tissue in the nose that contains the olfactory receptor neurons.
- Olfactory map: A spatial distribution of olfactory receptor neuron activity in the brain.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Olfactory transduction
- Wikipedia's article - Olfactory transduction
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