![]() Others project to structures within the limbic system and hypothalamus, where smells become associated with long-term memory and emotional responses. ![]() Some travel to the cerebrum, specifically to the primary olfactory cortex that is located in the inferior and medial areas of the temporal lobe. From there, the axons split to travel to several brain regions. The group of axons called the olfactory tract connect to the olfactory bulb on the ventral surface of the frontal lobe. The axon of an olfactory neuron extends from the basal surface of the epithelium, through an olfactory foramen in the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone, and into the brain. These receptors are G protein–coupled, and will produce a graded membrane potential in the olfactory neurons. The odorant–protein complex binds to a receptor protein within the cell membrane of an olfactory dendrite. These odorant molecules bind to proteins that keep them dissolved in the mucus and help transport them to the olfactory dendrites. As airborne molecules are inhaled through the nose, they pass over the olfactory epithelial region and dissolve into the mucus. Each olfactory sensory neuron has dendrites that extend from the apical surface of the epithelium into the mucus lining the cavity. This region is referred to as the olfactory epithelium and contains bipolar sensory neurons. ![]() The olfactory receptor neurons are located in a small region within the superior nasal cavity ( Figure 15.2.1). Like taste, the sense of smell, or olfaction, is also responsive to chemical stimuli. Describe the structures responsible for the special senses of smell.By the end of this section, you will be able to:
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |