Are Olfactory Cells Neurons?
The Olfactory Epithelium Includes Several Distinct Cell Types (Figure 15.5A). the Most Important of These Is the Olfactory Receptor Neuron, a Bipolar Cell That...
The olfactory epithelium includes several distinct cell types (Figure 15.5A). The most important of these is the olfactory receptor neuron, a bipolar cell that gives rise to a small-diameter, unmyelinated axon at its basal surface that transmits olfactory information centrally.
Are olfactory receptor cells neurons?
Olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) are bipolar neurons that are activated when airborne molecules in inspired air bind to olfactory receptors (ORs) expressed on their cilia. The ORs belong to a G-protein-coupled receptor superfamily.
What type of cells are olfactory cells?
The olfactory epithelium consists of 3 cell types: basal, supporting, and olfactory receptor cells. Basal cells are stem cells that give rise to the olfactory receptor cells (seen in the image below). The continuous turnover and new supply of these neurons are unique to the olfactory system.
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