Chapter 17, Problem 1CP

How do basal cells contribute to olfaction?

Summary Introduction

To review:

The contribution of basal cells in olfaction.

Introduction:

A chemoreception, which creates the sense of smell, is called as olfaction. This chemoreception has many other purposes apart from the sense of smell. These are the detection of hazards, food, and pheromones. The sense of flavor is formed when olfaction integrates with other senses.

Explanation of Solution

The nose is the primary organ for olfaction. It consists of olfactory receptor cells, supporting cells, and basal cells. Olfactory receptor cells are considered as the first-order neurons of olfactory pathway. The cilia are present as the site for olfactory transduction. Supporting cells refer to the columnar epithelial cells belonging to the mucous membrane that lines to the nose. On the other hand, basal cells refer to the stem cells that is situated between the bases of the variety of supporting cells. These basal cell undergoes cellular division in order to release newly formed olfactory receptor cells. These receptor cells live for about 2 months before being substituted. This process is phenomenal because the olfactory receptors cells are the neurons and matured neurons are not usually replaced.

Conclusion

Therefore, it can be concluded that basal cells are involved in the cellular division in order to generate new receptor cells for olfaction.