Multiple Choice
Physical activity is thought to reduce the risk of colon cancer by:
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10. Cell Signaling
Introduction to Cell Signaling
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Which of the following best describes the pathway by which olfactory receptors transmit signals to the brain?
A
Olfactory receptors in the skin detect airborne chemicals and send signals to the hypothalamus.
B
Olfactory receptors in the tongue detect odorants and send signals to the gustatory cortex via the trigeminal nerve.
C
Olfactory receptors in the nasal epithelium bind odorant molecules, generate action potentials, and send signals via the olfactory nerve (cranial nerve I) directly to the olfactory bulb in the brain.
D
Olfactory receptors in the nasal cavity bind odorants and transmit signals to the spinal cord before reaching the brain.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the role of olfactory receptors. Olfactory receptors are specialized sensory neurons located in the nasal epithelium. Their primary function is to detect odorant molecules in the air and initiate the process of olfaction (sense of smell).
Step 2: Identify the correct location of olfactory receptors. These receptors are found in the nasal epithelium, not in the skin or tongue. This eliminates options that incorrectly describe their location.
Step 3: Analyze the signal transmission pathway. When an odorant molecule binds to an olfactory receptor, it triggers a signal transduction pathway that generates an action potential. This electrical signal is then transmitted via the olfactory nerve (cranial nerve I).
Step 4: Determine the destination of the signal. The olfactory nerve carries the signal directly to the olfactory bulb in the brain, where the information is processed. This bypasses other structures like the spinal cord or hypothalamus, which are not involved in this pathway.
Step 5: Confirm the correct answer. Based on the above steps, the correct description of the pathway is: 'Olfactory receptors in the nasal epithelium bind odorant molecules, generate action potentials, and send signals via the olfactory nerve (cranial nerve I) directly to the olfactory bulb in the brain.'
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