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Home › Body Atlas › Sense Organs › Olfactory Glands
Sense Organ Head & Skull

Olfactory Glands

glandulae olfactoriae

Olfactory glands (Bowman glands) lie beneath the olfactory epithelium and release a watery secretion onto its surface. This mucus dissolves odour molecules so receptors can detect them.

Anatomical Data

Structure & Supply

LocationLamina propria beneath the olfactory epithelium in the roof of the nasal cavity
Parts
  • Serous acini
  • Ducts through the epithelium
Nerve SupplyNasal branches of the pterygopalatine ganglion (parasympathetic)
Blood SupplyEthmoidal and sphenopalatine arteries
Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Keep the olfactory surface moist, dissolve odorants and flush them away so new smells can be detected.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Dryness of the nasal lining, for example from some medicines or ageing, can reduce smell. Their secretions contain odorant-binding proteins and protective substances.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Hyposmia from Nasal Dryness

Reduced smell when the olfactory surface is too dry.

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