Olfactory Sensory Neurons of the Peripheral Olfactory System

Abstract

The olfactory system recognizes a vast range of molecules that represent vital information about an animal's environment. How does the nose organize this complex mixture of olfactory information? This article discusses evidence from rodents showing that there are several spatially segregated subpopulations of sensory neurons within the mammalian nose. Each of these olfactory subsystems may serve distinct functions by using different signal transduction pathways and projecting to different brain areas. Together, they may carry both distinct and overlapping information into the brain and provide a complete representation about the chemical world.