Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
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.