Smell receptors are located within the olfactory neuroepithelium, a region of tissue found over the cribiform plate, the superior septum and a segment of the superior turbinate. The free nerve endings of cranial nerve V are located diffusely throughout the nasal respiratory epithelium, including regions of the olfactory neuroepithelium. It is important to remember the distinctive nature of these two neural systems, because some odorants (e.g., ammonia) are sensed largely by the trigeminal nerve.
Once odorants enter the nose, they must move to the nasal vault and dissolve within the covering mucous layer in order to stimulate the olfactory receptors.1,10 Mucous has an important role in dispersing scents to the underlying receptors. The nasal turbinates are also important because they provide moderate resistance and a moist environment, thereby allowing optimal stimulation of olfactory neurons by airborne compounds.11,12