The function of the olfactory receptors is to detect the smell.
Olfactory receptors
Olfactory receptors are found in the nose. They are associated with the perception of a smell. Olfactory receptors expressed in the cell membranes of olfactory receptor neurons are responsible for detecting odour molecules. Activated olfactory receptors are the initial player in a signal transduction cascade which ultimately produces a nerve impulse transmitted to the brain.
- Olfactory receptors are examples of chemoreceptors.
- Olfactory receptors are present in the olfactory epithelium of the nasal roof.
- Each olfactory receptor is associated with an axon, which together forms the olfactory nerve.
- The olfactory nerve extends to the olfactory bulb in the brain and to the olfactory cortex, which is part of the brain’s limbic system.
