Question

Name the three cell types of the olfactory mucosa and broadly state the

function of each.

Answer 1

Olfactory epithelium consists of three different types of cells:

• Olfactory Cells
• Supporting Cells
• Basal Cells

OLFACTORY CELLS

The olfactory cells of the epithelium are actually bipolar neurons that assembled to form the olfactory nerve also known as cranial nerve I.

SUPPORTING CELLS

These cells are Correspondent to neural glial cells, the supporting cells are also known as sustencular cells of the olfactory epithelium, these cells function as metabolic and physical support for the olfactory cells. Microscopically the supporting cells are tall columnar cells containing microvilli and a prominentterminal web. The nuclei of supporting cells are more apically located than olfactory epithelial cells.

BASAL CELLS

These cells are found on the basal lamina of the olfactory epithelium, basal cells are a type of stem cells that is capable of division and differentiation into either supporting or olfactory cells when required. The constant divisions of the basal cells results the olfactory epithelium being replaced every 2–4 weeks.
These cells can be divided into two types on the basis of cellular anatomy: the horizontal basal cells which line the olfactory epithelium and the somewhat more superficial globose basal cells.