Olfactory receptors
Olfactory Receptors
Olfactory receptors (pronunciation: ol-fak-tuh-ree ree-sep-tuhrs), also known as ORs, are proteins that bind odor molecules which lead to the sense of smell. They are a part of the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) family.
Etymology
The term "olfactory" comes from the Latin word "olfactus", past participle of "olfacere" which means "to smell". The term "receptor" is derived from the Latin word "recipere" which means "to receive".
Function
Olfactory receptors are located in the olfactory epithelium, a small area in the back of the nasal cavity. They are responsible for detecting the inhaled odor molecules, and providing the primary input to the brain's olfactory system. Each olfactory receptor neuron expresses only one type of olfactory receptor protein, and the odor molecules bind to their specific receptors.
Related Terms
- Olfactory Bulb: The first region of the brain to receive signals about odors detected by olfactory receptors.
- Olfactory Epithelium: The tissue in the nasal cavity where olfactory receptors are located.
- G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs): A large family of receptors that olfactory receptors belong to.
- Odorant Molecules: The molecules that bind to olfactory receptors and trigger the sense of smell.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Olfactory receptors
- Wikipedia's article - Olfactory receptors
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