Glomeruli

Definition

Glomeruli are spherical structures located in the olfactory bulb where synapses form between the terminals of the olfactory nerve and the dendrites of mitral, periglomerular, and tufted cells. They play a crucial role in processing smell by acting as the first relay points for olfactory information from the nose to the brain.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Each glomerulus receives input from olfactory receptor neurons that express the same type of odorant receptor.
2. The organization of glomeruli is highly conserved across individuals within a species.
3. Glomeruli help in coding odorant identity by spatially mapping similar odors to specific regions.
4. There are approximately 1,800 glomeruli in the human olfactory bulb.
5. Mitral cells, which connect with glomeruli, send processed olfactory information to higher brain regions like the piriform cortex.

Related terms

Olfactory Receptor Neurons: Sensory neurons located in the nasal epithelium that detect odorants and send signals to glomeruli.

Mitral Cells: Neurons that receive input from glomeruli and transmit processed odor information to other brain areas.

Olfactory Bulb: A structure at the base of the brain involved in processing smell, containing numerous glomeruli.