Olfactory System

Question 1

Olfactory system

Answer 1

1. Odorants bind to olfactory receptors of the mucosal surface of the nose
2. Olfactory neurons project to olfactory bulbs
3. Action potential synapses on mitral cells of the glomerulus which receives information from a specific class of odorant receptors
4. Olfactory bulb mitral cells project:
   a. Hypothalamus, then to orbitofrontal cortex
   b. Amygdala, then to secondary olfactory cortex (emotional association of smell)
   c. Primary olfactory cortex, then to hypothalamus, then to orbitofrontal cortex

Question 2

Vomeronasal system

Answer 2

Olfactory system detecting pheromones that influence mating behavior

Question 3

Do humans have a vomeronasal system?

Answer 3

No, humans do not have it