8.2 POJA-L323. Olfactory epithelium in the nasal cavity (1)

​8.2  POJA-L323                    

Title: Olfactory epithelium in the nasal cavity (1)  
 
Description:   
Three-dimensional scheme electron microscopy, mammals.
Six olfactory cells (1) surround one massive central supporting cell (2). A third, basal cell (3) is located at the basal plate aposing to the supporting cell. These olfactory cells are tall and slender bipolar nerve cells with chemoreceptive functions. In its groove the basal cell hides three thin axons (4) derived from olfactory cells. The dendritic process reach the surface and end as bulb-like swellings (5, olfactory vesicles or bulbs).  Up to twenty long olfactory cilia (6) protrude radially from this bulb and run subsequently bend parallel to the surface of the epithelium. The one tall supporting (sustentacular) cell in the middle exhibits many short microvilli.
 

8.2 POJA-L325. Surface of olfactory epithelium in the nasal cavity (2)

​8.2  POJA-L325                    

Title: Surface of olfactory epithelium in the nasal cavity (2)
 
Description:
Scanning electron microscopy, rat. A “carpet” of fine long threads
​of olfactory cilia (*). On top of the “carpet” broken remnants of cilia clotted due to secretion products.
 

8.2 POJA-L327. Olfactory vesicle (bulb) in the nasal cavity (3)

​8.2  POJA-L327

​Title: Olfactory vesicle (bulb) in the nasal cavity (3) 
 
Description: 
Electron microscopy, gerbil. A distinct olfactory bulb (1, vesicle) with horizontally extended cross-sectioned cilia (*) and basal bodies (↑) is surrounded by numerous microvilli and free olfactory cilia. Close to the first bulb a second one is about to protrude above the surface of the supporting cells bearing the microvilli. The apical cytoplasm of these cells shows many organelles.
 

8.2 POJA-L328. Surface of olfactory epithelium (4)

return to respiratory system images

​8.2  POJA-L328

Title: Surface of olfactory epithelium (4)
 
Description:
Electron microscopy, rat. Bottom left shows an olfactory bulb (1, vesicle) with cross-sectioned basal bodies. Right side part of the apex of a supporting cell (2) with microvilli (3). Parallel to the surface of the epithelium one long olfactory cilium (4) and several other cross-sectioned ones are detectable. Arrows point to characteristic lipopigment (yellow color of olfactory mucosa).
​Note, the vesicular type of endoplasmic reticulum.

Keywords/Mesh:
respiratory tract, nasal cavity, pseudostratified epithelium, basal cell, olfactory epithelium, bipolar neuron, axon, dendrite, 
olfactory vesicle, olfactory bulb, olfactory cilium, microvillus, histology, electron microscopy, POJA collection