Olfactory signal transduction begins when an odor molecule binds to a specific receptor on the hair-like extensions of an olfactory receptor cell. This binding triggers chemical changes within the cell, which subsequently generate a signal that is transmitted to the olfactory bulb.

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Situated within the mucous membrane at the roof of the nasal cavity, olfactory receptor cells are specialized sensory neurons. As shown in side-view anatomical illustrations, they feature hair-like extensions that function as binding sites for odorants dissolved in mucus, initiating the sensory transduction process for smell before transmitting signals to the olfactory bulb.

Olfactory Receptor Cells

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

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