Mitral cell

Mitral cell

The Mitral cell is a type of neuron found in the olfactory bulb of the brain. It is named after the mitral valve of the heart, which it resembles in shape.

Etymology

The term "mitral" comes from the Latin word "mitra", which means "headband" or "turban". This is a reference to the shape of the cell, which is similar to a bishop's mitre.

Structure

Mitral cells are the primary output neurons of the olfactory bulb. They have a single primary dendrite that extends into the olfactory glomerulus, where it forms synapses with the axons of olfactory receptor neurons. The cell body of a mitral cell is located in the mitral cell layer of the olfactory bulb.

Function

Mitral cells play a crucial role in the processing of olfactory information. They receive input from olfactory receptor neurons and transmit this information to higher brain regions, including the piriform cortex, the amygdala, and the entorhinal cortex. This allows the brain to perceive and interpret smells.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in mitral cells have been implicated in a number of neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. In these conditions, the loss of olfactory function is often an early symptom.

See also

• Olfactory system
• Neuron
• Olfactory receptor neuron

References

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