Term for specialised nerve cells that absorb certain external and internal chemical (e.g. taste, smell) or physical (e.g. touch) stimuli and convert them into a form that the nervous system can understand. They serve as biological sensors. Each receptor is specialised for a specific stimulus and transmits electrical signals to the central nervous system when stimulated. These signals are then interpreted in the brain.
The receptors for the sense of smell(olfactory) are located in the olfactory mucosa in the upper part of the nasal cavity (arrow). In humans, these are about 2 x 5 cm² in size (comparable to two stamps). The stimuli are transmitted to the brain where they are perceived as odours (see the process in the diagram on the right).
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Diplom-Sommelier, Weinakademiker und Weinberater, Volders (Österreich)