Smell Glossary

Nostrils – the two openings of the nose that pull air containing odorants (the molecules of scent that bind to cells in the nasal cavity) up into the nose

Nasal Cavity – the large opening that contains hairs and a mucus membrane designed to trap particulates like dust and pollen, essentially acting as a filter for the body. The nasal cavity also warms and moisturizes the air before it enters the lungs.

 

Olfactory Bulb – is the sensory organ attached to the limbic system of the brain that binds to odorants and produces our sense of smell

Skull Bone – lies between the olfactory bulb of the brain and the nasal cavity
Nasal Epithelium – the tissue that lines the nasal cavity

Olfactory Receptors – These receptors travel from the olfactory bulb through the skill bone and through the nasal epithelium sending out tendril like ends that allow for binding of odorants, when these tendrils bind to a specific odorant a signal (Glomeruli aggregate signals) is sent to the olfactory bulb and into the limbic system, telling the brain what smell has been detected

Glomerulus - a spherical structure located in the olfactory bulb of the brain where synapses form between the terminals of the olfactory nerve and several other types of cells (dendrites of mitral, periglomerular and tufted cells)

Olfactory Receptor Neuron - is a signaling cell