Index
It is the first and shortest cranial nerve, which transmits certain sensory information, which allows us to have a sense of smell.
One of the two nerves does not join the brainstem; the other is the optic nerve. It is similar to the optic nerve in its structure since it has a meningeal cover, unlike CN III to XII.
Embryologically it is derived from the olfactory placode (a thickening of the ectoderm layer), giving rise to the glial cells that support the nerve. The olfactory nerve is also able to regenerate. The olfactory nerves are not myelinated and are covered by Schwann cells.
The olfactory nerve is the first of the 12 cranial nerves located inside the head. It transmits sensory data to the brain and is responsible for the sense of smell. The nerve’s olfactory receptors are found within the mucosa of the nasal cavity. Unlike many other nerves, CN1 does not have two trunks.
On the contrary, its sensory fibers extend through the fibrous plate of the ethmoidal bone, a part of the skull located behind the nose. Once the chemicals and particles in the air enter the nasal cavity, they interact with these neuronal receptors.
CN1 does not attach to the brainstem. She and the optic nerve are the only cranial nerves for which this is true. CN1 is the shortest cranial nerve within the human head.
It can be susceptible to injuries created by blunt traumatic damage, resulting from complications of frontal lobe brain tumors, meningitis, and some other factors.
This will lead to a reduced or absent sense of smell. However, even if the CN1 is damaged, the nasal pain will still be transmitted through the trigeminal nerve.
The nerve consists of two processes:
- Peripheral olfactory processes (receptors) in the olfactory mucosa.
- Main methods that return information to the brain.
The olfactory nerve is responsible for the sense of smell. The nasociliary and nasopalatine nerves provide a general feeling.
Anatomical course
Once the axon penetrates through the basement membrane, it joins other non-myelinated processes to form the olfactory row (bundles of olfactory axons). Then they enter the cranial cavity through the fibrous plate of the ethmoidal bone, the roof of the nasal cavity.
Olfactory bulb
Once in the cranial cavity, the fibers enter the olfactory bulb, which is in the olfactory sulcus, inside the anterior cranial fossa.
The olfactory bulb is an oval structure that contains specialized neurons called mitral cells—olfactory nerve fibers synapse with mitral cells, forming collections known as synaptic glomeruli. From the glomeruli, second-order nerves then pass into the olfactory tract.
Olfactory tract
The olfactory tract runs inferiorly to the frontal lobe. As the track reaches the previous perforated substance, it is divided into:
- Medial Austria.
- Lateral stria
Sending the lateral stria carries the axons to the olfactory area of the cerebral cortex (also known as the primary olfactory cortex).
The medial stria carries the axons through the medial plane of the anterior commissure, where they meet the olfactory bulb on the opposite side.
The primary olfactory cortex sends nerve fibers to many other areas of the brain, notably the piriform cortex, the amygdala, the olfactory tubercle, and the secondary olfactory cortex. These areas are involved in memory and the appreciation of olfactory sensations.
Sensory function
Olfactory mucosa
The olfactory mucosa is a fundamental structure since it detects smell and the most advanced aspects of taste. It is found on the roof of the nasal cavity and is composed of pseudostratified columnar epithelium that contains several cells.
Basal cells: form the new stem cells from which the new olfactory cells can develop.
Stem cells: high cells for structural support. These are analogous to the glial cells located in the CNS.
Olfactory receptor cells: bipolar neurons that have two processes, a dendritic process, and a central function. The dendritic process is projected towards the surface of the epithelium, where a series of short cilia, the olfactory hairs, launch towards the mucous membrane.
These cilia react to odors in the air and stimulate the olfactory cells. The central process (also known as the axon) is projected in the opposite direction through the basement membrane.
In addition to the epithelium, Bowman glands are present in the mucosa and secrete mucus.
Clinical relevance
Anosmia
Anosmia is defined as the absence of a sense of smell. It can be temporary, permanent, progressive, or congenital. Temporary anosmia can be caused by an infection or by local nose disorders. Permanent anosmia can be caused by a head injury or tumors in the olfactory sulcus (for example, meningioma).
Anosmia can also occur due to neurodegenerative conditions, such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. Under these conditions, anosmia is progressive and precedes motor symptoms but is often not noticed by the patient.
Anosmia is also a characteristic of several genetic diseases such as Kallmann’s syndrome (lack of onset or end of puberty) and primary ciliary dyskinesia (defect in the cilia that makes it immobile)
