Cell Biology of Olfaction

Book excerpt: The sense of smell is probably the most important sense to a large number of the animal species on Earth and the aim of the study of olfactory cell biology is to understand the cellular basis on which olfactory-driven behaviour is based. In this book the author presents a critical analysis of what is known about the olfactory sensory cells in both the nasal cavity and the vomeronasal organ. Although the emphasis is on mammalian olfaction, basic issues that have been addressed by research on other vertebrates and invertebrates are also discussed. Throughout the book the premise is that we can only more thoroughly comprehend normal behaviour and dysfunction once we have a detailed understanding of the cells and tissues involved in the sense of smell.