Coronal Section - head/sinusesYou selected: olfactory bulbThe olfactory bulb is part of the first cranial nerve. Its endings lie over the top of the nose, penetrating a thin bone called the cribriform plate. The epithelium over this bone contains special receptors. A layer of secreted mucus keeps the epithlium moist, and allows the diffusion of volatile compounds in the air to reach the receptors. When triggered, we have the sensation of smell.The olfactory bulb is a special nerve in that it never leaves the protective membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain. The optic nerve of the eye is the only other nerve with a similar structure. tongue | eye | nasal turbinates | maxillary sinus | frontal sinus | frontal lobe | olfactory_bulb | Information Module Name: 1704_head Module Title: Coronal Section - head/sinuses Image Info: Coronal section (1704) Visible Human Project Created by: Lynn Bry Contact Email:bryl@medicine.wustl.edu Last modified: January 23rd, 1997. Created with Annotation 1.0 |