Chapter contents
Overview
Olfactory epithelium
Sensory transduction &
Peripheral course
Central course
Rhinencephalon
Major projections
| Cranial Nerve I - Olfactory Nerve | Page 3 of 6 |
Sensory Transduction
and Peripheral Course of the Olfactory Nerve
Inhaled aromatic molecules dissolve in the moisture lining the olfactory epithelium and stimulate its chemoreceptors.
Olfactory receptor cells initiate action potentials in response to these chemical stimuli. Intracellular studies show the presence of a slow rising receptor (generator) potential followed by a spike discharge from the receptor cell.
The peripheral processes of the receptor cells assemble into small bundles and pass through the cribiform plate of the ethmoid bone to synapse on secondary sensory neurons in the olfactory bulb.
Figure 1-3. Peripheral course of the olfactory nerve.
