Olfactory epithelium

Jump to navigation Jump to search
The printable version is no longer supported and may have rendering errors. Please update your browser bookmarks and please use the default browser print function instead.

Template:Infobox Anatomy

WikiDoc Resources for Olfactory epithelium

Articles

Most recent articles on Olfactory epithelium

Most cited articles on Olfactory epithelium

Review articles on Olfactory epithelium

Articles on Olfactory epithelium in N Eng J Med, Lancet, BMJ

Media

Powerpoint slides on Olfactory epithelium

Images of Olfactory epithelium

Photos of Olfactory epithelium

Podcasts & MP3s on Olfactory epithelium

Videos on Olfactory epithelium

Evidence Based Medicine

Cochrane Collaboration on Olfactory epithelium

Bandolier on Olfactory epithelium

TRIP on Olfactory epithelium

Clinical Trials

Ongoing Trials on Olfactory epithelium at Clinical Trials.gov

Trial results on Olfactory epithelium

Clinical Trials on Olfactory epithelium at Google

Guidelines / Policies / Govt

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse on Olfactory epithelium

NICE Guidance on Olfactory epithelium

NHS PRODIGY Guidance

FDA on Olfactory epithelium

CDC on Olfactory epithelium

Books

Books on Olfactory epithelium

News

Olfactory epithelium in the news

Be alerted to news on Olfactory epithelium

News trends on Olfactory epithelium

Commentary

Blogs on Olfactory epithelium

Definitions

Definitions of Olfactory epithelium

Patient Resources / Community

Patient resources on Olfactory epithelium

Discussion groups on Olfactory epithelium

Patient Handouts on Olfactory epithelium

Directions to Hospitals Treating Olfactory epithelium

Risk calculators and risk factors for Olfactory epithelium

Healthcare Provider Resources

Symptoms of Olfactory epithelium

Causes & Risk Factors for Olfactory epithelium

Diagnostic studies for Olfactory epithelium

Treatment of Olfactory epithelium

Continuing Medical Education (CME)

CME Programs on Olfactory epithelium

International

Olfactory epithelium en Espanol

Olfactory epithelium en Francais

Business

Olfactory epithelium in the Marketplace

Patents on Olfactory epithelium

Experimental / Informatics

List of terms related to Olfactory epithelium


Overview

The olfactory epithelium is a specialized epithelial tissue inside the nasal cavity that is involved in smell. In humans, it measures about 1 inch wide by 2 inches long (about 2 cm by 5 cm) and lies on the roof of the nasal cavity about 3 inches (about 7 cm) above and behind the nostrils. The olfactory epithelium is the part of the olfactory system directly responsible for detecting odors.

Olfactory epithelium consists of three distinct types of cells: Olfactory cells, supporting cells, and basal cells

The olfactory cells of the epithelium are bipolar neurons which congregate to form the olfactory nerve (cranial nerve I). The apical poles of these neurons are ciliated and coated with a serous secretion from Bowman's glands located in the lamina propria.

Analogous to neural glial cells, the supporting cells of the olfactory epithelium function as metabolic and physical support for the olfactory cells. Histologically, the supporting cells are tall columnar cells featuring microvilli and a prominent terminal web. The nuclei of supporting cells are more apically located than those of the other olfactory epithelial cells.

Resting on the basal lamina of the olfactory epithelium, basal cells are stem cells capable of division and differentiation into either supporting or olfactory cells. The constant divisions of the basal cells leads to the olfactory epithelium being replaced every 2-4 weeks.

The olfactory epithelium can be damaged by inhalation of toxic fumes, physical injury to the interior of the nose, and possibly by the use of some nasal sprays. Because of its regenerative capacity, damage to the olfactory epithelium can be temporary but in extreme cases, injury can be permanent, leading to anosmia.

External links

Template:Olfactory system


Template:WH Template:WikiDoc Sources