Olfactory epithelium

The olfactory epithelium is a specialized epithelial tissue inside the nasal cavity that is involved in smell. In humans, it measures 5 cm² (0.78 sq in)^[1] and lies on the roof of the nasal cavity about 7 cm (2.8 in) above and behind the nostrils.^[2] The olfactory epithelium is the part of the olfactory system directly responsible for detecting odors.

Olfactory epithelium

Olfactory placode and neural crest

Olfactory sensory neurons

Supporting cells

Basal cells

Brush cells

Neural: , LHRH-secreting neurons, and ganglion cells

olfactory sensory neurons

Non-neuronal: basal cells, olfactory supporting cells, cells, Bowman’s glands, Schwann cells, submucosal glands, and brush cells

ciliated

Clinical significance[edit]

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.

Composition of the Olfactory receptor neuron (captions in German)

olfactory epithelium pig

Phantosmia

List of distinct cell types in the adult human body

and [1]

Embryonic origin of the olfactory sensory system: fate map, lineage analysis and specification of the avian olfactory placode

Katoh, Hiroyuki; Shibata, Shinsuke; Fukuda, Kimiko; Sato, Momoka; Satoh, Etsuko; Nagoshi, Narihito; Minematsu, Takeo; Matsuzaki, Yumi; Akazawa, Chihiro; Toyama, Yoshiaki; Nakamura, Masaya; Okano, Hideyuki (2011). . Molecular Brain. 4 (1): 34. doi:10.1186/1756-6606-4-34. PMC 3215936. PMID 21943152.

Olfactory epithelium