Anatomy and Cellular Constituents of the Human Olfactory Mucosa: A Review

J Neurol Surg B, 2014 · DOI: http://dx.doi.org/ 10.1055/s-0033-1361837 · Published: June 26, 2014

Simple Explanation

The olfactory mucosa, located in the nasal cavity, is responsible for the sense of smell. Its unique structure and physiology are still not fully understood, and olfactory system diseases can lead to various complex issues, including mood changes and depression. The olfactory system is one of the few areas in the central nervous system where neuronal regeneration occurs. Understanding the olfactory mucosa better could lead to more accurate clinical indicators for pathological processes. The olfactory mucosa is being studied as a potential source of cells for human tissue repair, particularly olfactory ensheathing cells, which have shown promise in animal models of spinal cord repair.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
The human olfactory mucosa appears slightly yellow and lacks the distinctive hue seen in rodents, concentrated in the posterosuperior nasal cavity near the cribriform plate.
2
The olfactory epithelium develops from olfactory placodes by day 37 postconception, with olfactory receptor neurons undergoing ciliogenesis around 9 weeks, and complete morphological differentiation by 11 weeks.
3
Healthy olfactory mucosa is generally thicker and more cellular than respiratory mucosa, composed of epithelium, a basement membrane, and a lamina propria.

Research Summary

The olfactory mucosa is a specialized sensory organ for smell, and a better understanding of its cellular biology and physiology is necessary to appreciate experiments using animal models. The olfactory mucosa is composed of various cell types including olfactory receptor neurons, sustentacular cells, basal cells, microvillar cells, fingerlike microvilli cells, and olfactory ensheathing cells. The olfactory mucosa can be used as a source of stem cells and olfactory ensheathing cells, and cultured for tissue repair; however, the differences between human and rodent cells need to be studied more.

Practical Implications

Regenerative Medicine

Olfactory mucosa can be a source for cells used in human tissue repair, specifically for spinal cord injuries.

Diagnostic Tool

A better understanding of the olfactory mucosa can lead to more accurate clinical indicators for pathological processes and diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

Drug Metabolism Understanding

The olfactory mucosa's involvement in metabolism and detoxification, especially during fetal development, suggests it could be a target for toxic compounds, improving our understanding of developmental toxicity.

Study Limitations

1
Heterogeneous distribution of the olfactory mucosa making it difficult to distinguish from respiratory mucosa.
2
Replacement of olfactory epithelium by respiratory epithelium throughout life.
3
Lack of a known marker that exclusively labels human OE stem cells.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Physiology