szaglósejtek

Szaglósejtek, also known as olfactory receptor neurons, are specialized nerve cells found in the olfactory epithelium of the nasal cavity. Their primary function is to detect odor molecules in the air and transmit this information to the brain, where it is interpreted as smell. These cells possess unique protein structures on their surface, called olfactory receptors, which bind to specific odorants.

When an odor molecule binds to an olfactory receptor, it triggers a cascade of biochemical events within the szaglósejtek. This signal is then converted into an electrical impulse that travels along the axon of the neuron. These axons bundle together to form the olfactory nerve, which directly projects to the olfactory bulb in the brain. The olfactory bulb is the first processing center for smell information, where signals are further relayed to other brain regions, including the piriform cortex and amygdala, for conscious perception and emotional response to odors.

Szaglósejtek are continuously regenerating throughout an organism's life, a notable characteristic compared to many other types of neurons. This regenerative capacity is crucial for maintaining a functional sense of smell, as olfactory receptor neurons have a relatively short lifespan. Damage or loss of these cells can lead to impaired olfaction, a condition known as anosmia.