key term - Olfactory epithelium

Definition

The olfactory epithelium is a specialized epithelial tissue inside the nasal cavity that is involved in smell. It contains olfactory receptor cells which detect airborne molecules and send signals to the brain, resulting in the perception of odors.

Related terms

Olfactory Receptor Cells: These are specialized neurons within the olfactory epithelium that detect odor molecules and initiate sensory transduction by sending signals to the brain.

Sensory Transduction: The process by which sensory stimuli are converted into electrical signals in sensory receptors, allowing for perception by the brain.

Nasal Cavity:

The large air-filled space above and behind the nose in the middle of the face, which includes the area where the olfactory epithelium is located