olfactory organ

anatomy

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Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

The olfactory organ, primarily located in the nasal cavity, is responsible for the sense of smell. It consists of olfactory receptor cells that detect airborne chemicals. These cells have cilia covered in mucus, which dissolves odor molecules, stimulating the receptor cells.1234

The nose itself, housing the olfactory organ, filters, warms, and moistens inhaled air. It is divided into two cavities by a septum, with external openings called nostrils. Within the nasal cavity are structures called nasal conchae that direct airflow over the olfactory region.1

Axons from these receptor cells connect directly to the brain's olfactory bulb, where smell information is processed before being sent to other brain areas. This system allows animals to distinguish between thousands of different odors.24

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…respiratory tract and contains the olfactory organ. It provides air for respiration, serves the sense of smell, conditions the air by filtering, warming, and moistening it, and cleans itself of foreign debris extracted from inhalations.
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…respiratory tract and contains the olfactory organ. It provides air for respiration, serves the sense of smell, conditions the air by filtering, warming, and moistening it, and cleans itself of foreign debris extracted from inhalations.
Read More