smell and taste

Smell and taste sensation/ objectives of the lecture
? Describe the basic features of the neural elements in the olfactory epithelium
and olfactory bulb.
? Outline the pathway by which impulses generated in the olfactory epithelium
reach the olfactory cortex.
? Describe the location and cellular composition of taste buds.
? Name the five major taste receptors and signal transduction mechanisms in these receptors.
? Outline the pathways by which impulses generated in taste receptors reach the
insular cortex.
Introduction
Smell (olfaction) and taste (gustation) are generally classified as visceral senses because of their close association with gastrointestinal function. Physiologically, they are related to each other. The flavors of various foods are in large part a combination of their taste and smell. Consequently, food may taste “different” if one has a cold that depresses the sense of smell. Both smell and taste receptors are chemoreceptors that are stimulated by molecules dissolved in mucus of the nose and saliva of the mouth.