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 L3.5

Textbook Question

Mrs. Flores is a 45-year-old female who suffered a fracture of the ethmoid bone as the result of a car accident. Several days later, she complained that she couldn't taste her food very well. How is her injury related to the loss of taste sensation?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the anatomy of the ethmoid bone: The ethmoid bone is located in the skull and forms part of the nasal cavity and the medial wall of the orbit. It contains the cribriform plate, which is perforated by small holes that allow the olfactory nerve fibers (cranial nerve I) to pass from the nasal cavity to the brain.

Recognize the connection between smell and taste: Taste sensation is closely linked to the sense of smell. The olfactory nerve transmits signals related to odors, which significantly contribute to the perception of flavor. If the sense of smell is impaired, the ability to perceive flavors is diminished.

Analyze the impact of the ethmoid bone fracture: A fracture of the ethmoid bone, particularly the cribriform plate, can damage or sever the olfactory nerve fibers. This injury can lead to anosmia (loss of the sense of smell), which indirectly affects the ability to taste food.

Consider the timeline of symptoms: Mrs. Flores reported difficulty tasting food several days after the accident. This delay suggests that the loss of smell due to nerve damage may have gradually impacted her ability to perceive flavors.

Conclude the relationship: The injury to the ethmoid bone likely caused damage to the olfactory nerve fibers, leading to a loss of smell. Since smell is integral to the perception of taste, this explains Mrs. Flores' complaint of diminished taste sensation.

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Key Concepts

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

Ethmoid Bone Anatomy

The ethmoid bone is a delicate structure located between the nasal cavity and the brain. It plays a crucial role in supporting the nasal cavity and contains the olfactory foramina, which allow the passage of olfactory nerves responsible for the sense of smell. Damage to this bone can disrupt the olfactory pathways, potentially affecting taste perception since smell significantly contributes to flavor.

Olfactory Nerve Function

The olfactory nerve (cranial nerve I) is responsible for transmitting sensory information related to smell from the nasal cavity to the brain. When the ethmoid bone is fractured, it can lead to olfactory nerve damage or disruption, resulting in a diminished ability to perceive odors. Since taste and smell are closely linked, any impairment in olfactory function can lead to a reduced ability to taste food.

Taste and Smell Connection

Taste and smell are two of the five senses that work together to create the perception of flavor. While taste is primarily detected by taste buds on the tongue, the olfactory system contributes significantly to the overall experience of flavor. When the sense of smell is compromised, as may occur after an ethmoid bone fracture, the ability to enjoy and identify different tastes can be severely affected.

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