Olfactory Sensitivity
Olfactory Sensitivity - Related Videos
09:00
Olfactory Behavioral Testing in the Adult Mouse
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Cited by 68 •
2009
Fundamental, yet unique properties of the rodent olfactory system have led to its increasing study among biologists. A relatively simple assessment of its function is then also needed. Here we describe sensitive tests for the characterization of mouse olfactory sensitivity and preference.
06:40
Simple and Computer-assisted Olfactory Testing for Mice
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Cited by 9 •
2015
We present a simple and unbiased olfactory test in mice. With this protocol olfactory discrimination, preference, avoidance and sensitivity to a novel odor as compared to water can be assessed in single behavioral sessions. This method is indicated for a single experimenter and analysis is based on computer-assisted video processing.
06:32
Quadruple Immunostaining of the Olfactory Bulb for Visualization of Olfactory Sensory Axon Molecular Identity Codes
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2017
Olfactory sensory neurons express a wide variety of axon-sorting molecules to establish proper neural circuitry. This protocol describes an immunohistochemical staining method to visualize combinatorial expressions of axon-sorting molecules at the axon termini of olfactory sensory neurons.
08:42
Whole Mount Labeling of Cilia in the Main Olfactory System of Mice
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Cited by 13 •
2014
Cilia of olfactory sensory neurons contain proteins of the signal transduction cascade, but a detailed spatial analysis of their distribution is difficult in cryosections. We describe here an optimized approach for whole mount labeling and en face visualization of ciliary proteins.
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Electrophysiological Measurements from a Moth Olfactory System
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Cited by 11 •
2011
Insect olfactory systems provide unique opportunities for recording odorant-induced responses in the forms of electroantennograms (EAG) and single sensillum recordings (SSR), which are summed responses from all odorant receptor neurons (ORNs) located on the antenna and from those housed in individual sensilla, respectively.
FAQs
Receptor diversity expands the range of odorant patterns that olfactory sensory neurons can respond to. Because odorants bind specific receptors, a diverse receptor population can support discrimination among chemical molecules. In biological studies, examining this diversity helps connect molecular recognition with differences in odor identity and sensitivity across organisms.
Odorant concentration and airflow can change the amount of chemical information reaching the olfactory system. Higher or lower concentrations may alter whether receptors are activated and how strongly resulting signals are processed, while airflow affects delivery through the nasal passage. These variables must be considered when interpreting sensitivity.
Neural processing determines how receptor activity becomes a representation of an odor. Signals from olfactory sensory neurons travel through the olfactory bulb, where information continues toward brain regions involved in interpreting odor identity and intensity. This step matters because sensitivity is not determined solely by receptor binding; the nervous system also shapes the final response.
A useful investigation should account for odorant concentration, receptor diversity, airflow, and neural processing rather than treating sensitivity as a single fixed trait. Comparing responses under differing values of these factors can clarify whether changes arise from chemical delivery, receptor mechanisms, or interpretation by the nervous system.
By detecting airborne chemical cues, animals can identify conditions associated with food, predators, reproduction, or other organisms. Sensitivity therefore links sensory-cell activity to behavioral choices, including feeding, predator avoidance, reproduction, and chemical communication. Its biological importance is strongest where odor information changes survival or interaction.
In biology, this topic connects sensory-cell and neural mechanisms with environmental sensing and sensory disorders. Studying how odorants, receptors, airflow, and brain processing contribute to responses may help researchers interpret how organisms detect chemical changes in their surroundings and investigate what happens when olfactory function is altered.