Lyktarviðtakar

Lyktarviðtakar, also known as olfactory receptors, are proteins found on the surface of sensory neurons in the olfactory epithelium of the nose. These receptors are responsible for detecting and distinguishing a vast array of airborne chemical compounds, which we perceive as smells.

When a volatile molecule, or odorant, enters the nasal cavity, it binds to specific lyktarviðtakar. This binding event triggers a signal transduction cascade within the neuron, ultimately leading to the generation of an electrical impulse. This impulse is then transmitted to the brain, specifically to the olfactory bulb, where it is processed and interpreted as a particular smell.

Humans possess hundreds of different types of lyktarviðtakar, each capable of recognizing a range of odorants, though with varying affinities. The combinatorial activation of these receptors allows us to discriminate between thousands, if not millions, of distinct odors. The specific combination of receptors activated and the intensity of their activation contribute to the unique scent profile perceived by an individual. Lyktarviðtakar play a crucial role in survival, influencing behaviors such as finding food, avoiding danger, and social interactions through pheromone detection.