Chemosensory clusters
Chemosensory Clusters
Chemosensory clusters (pronunciation: /ˈkēmōˈsensərē ˈkləstərs/) are specialized groups of cells or structures in organisms that detect chemical signals in the environment. These clusters play a crucial role in the sensory system, particularly in the detection of taste and smell.
Etymology
The term "chemosensory" is derived from the Greek words "chemia" meaning "chemistry" and "sensory" from the Latin "sensōrius" meaning "pertaining to sensation". The term "cluster" comes from the Old English "clyster" which means "a group or bunch".
Function
Chemosensory clusters are responsible for detecting chemical signals in the environment and transmitting these signals to the brain. They are primarily found in the olfactory system and the gustatory system, where they play a key role in the perception of smell and taste respectively.
In the olfactory system, chemosensory clusters are found in the olfactory epithelium, a specialized tissue in the nose that detects odor molecules. These clusters contain olfactory receptor neurons that bind to specific odor molecules and generate an electrical signal that is transmitted to the brain.
In the gustatory system, chemosensory clusters are found in the taste buds on the tongue. These clusters contain taste receptor cells that detect different types of taste molecules (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami) and transmit this information to the brain.
Related Terms
- Olfactory system: The sensory system used for smelling.
- Gustatory system: The sensory system used for tasting.
- Olfactory epithelium: A specialized tissue in the nose that detects odor molecules.
- Olfactory receptor neurons: Neurons that bind to specific odor molecules and generate an electrical signal.
- Taste buds: Small structures on the tongue that contain taste receptor cells.
- Taste receptor cells: Cells that detect different types of taste molecules and transmit this information to the brain.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Chemosensory clusters
- Wikipedia's article - Chemosensory clusters
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