Medical expert of the article
New publications
Olfactory nerves
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
The olfactory nerves (nn. olfactorii) are formed by the axons of the olfactory (receptor) cells located in the mucous membrane of the olfactory region of the nasal cavity. This region corresponds to the upper and partly middle nasal conchae and the upper part of the nasal septum. The number of olfactory cells in humans reaches 6 million (30,000 receptors per 1 mm 2 of the mucous membrane surface). The axons of the olfactory cells pass between the supporting cells of the mucous membrane of the olfactory region. The olfactory nerve fibers do not form a single nerve trunk; they are collected in 15-20 thin trunks. The olfactory nerves pass through the openings of the cribriform plate and are directed to the olfactory bulb of the olfactory tract of the brain. Here, synaptic contact of the axon terminals with the dendrites of the mitral neurons of the olfactory bulb occurs (see "Sense Organs").
[ What do need to examine?