Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

15. The Special Senses

Introduction to Special Senses

Anatomy & Physiology

15. The Special Senses

Introduction to Special Senses

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Problem 3

Textbook Question

In an olfactory neuron, the binding of a(n) __ to its membrane receptor triggers a(n) _ potential in the axons of the ____ nerve.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the anatomy of the olfactory system. Olfactory neurons are specialized sensory neurons located in the olfactory epithelium of the nasal cavity. These neurons detect odor molecules and transmit signals to the brain via the olfactory nerve.

Step 2: Identify the first blank. The binding of a specific molecule, known as an odorant, to the membrane receptor of the olfactory neuron initiates the process of olfactory signal transduction.

Step 3: Identify the second blank. The binding of the odorant to the receptor triggers a graded electrical response in the neuron, known as a receptor potential. This is a type of local potential that occurs in response to the stimulus.

Step 4: Identify the third blank. The axons of the olfactory neurons bundle together to form the olfactory nerve (cranial nerve I), which transmits the signal to the olfactory bulb in the brain.

Step 5: Summarize the process. The odorant binds to its receptor on the olfactory neuron, triggering a receptor potential, which then propagates along the axons of the olfactory nerve to relay the sensory information to the brain.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Olfactory Neurons

Olfactory neurons are specialized sensory cells located in the nasal cavity that detect odor molecules. They possess receptors that bind to specific odorants, initiating a signal transduction pathway. This process is crucial for the sense of smell, as it converts chemical signals from the environment into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain.

Receptor Binding

Receptor binding refers to the interaction between a signaling molecule, such as an odorant, and a specific receptor on the surface of a cell. This binding event is essential for activating the receptor, leading to a series of biochemical changes within the neuron. In olfactory neurons, this process ultimately results in the generation of an action potential, which transmits the sensory information.

Action Potential

An action potential is a rapid, temporary change in the electrical membrane potential of a neuron, allowing it to transmit signals along its axon. When an olfactory neuron is activated by receptor binding, it depolarizes, leading to the generation of an action potential. This electrical signal travels to the brain, where it is processed and interpreted as a specific smell.