ESTHESIOBLAST Meaning and
Definition
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Esthesioblast (noun):
An esthesioblast is a specialized cell found in the olfactory epithelium responsible for detecting and transducing chemical stimuli into electrical signals, thus playing a crucial role in the sense of smell. These neural cells are classified as bipolar neurons, characterized by having two processes or extensions, known as dendrites and an axon.
The dendrites of esthesioblasts contain numerous highly sensitive hair-like structures called cilia, which are coated with olfactory receptors. These receptors bind to specific odor molecules present in the inhaled air, initiating a cascade of biochemical signals within the cell. This signal transduction process triggers nerve impulses that are transmitted to the brain, specifically the olfactory bulb, through the axon of the esthesioblast.
Esthesioblasts are unique as they possess the remarkable ability to regenerate throughout an individual's life. This capacity for renewal is due to the presence of stem cells within the olfactory epithelium, which can differentiate into mature esthesioblasts. This regenerative capability allows for the continuous response to various odorants during an individual's lifetime.
The functionality of esthesioblasts is crucial to the overall human olfactory system and is essential for detecting and distinguishing a wide range of odors. The information obtained by these cells is transmitted to the brain, where it is processed, identified, and associated with different smells, creating the sense of smell experienced by individuals.
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An embryonic ganglion cell.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ESTHESIOBLAST
- wsthesioblast
- ssthesioblast
- dsthesioblast
- rsthesioblast
- 4sthesioblast
- 3sthesioblast
- eathesioblast
- ezthesioblast
- exthesioblast
- edthesioblast
- eethesioblast
- ewthesioblast
- esrhesioblast
- esfhesioblast
- esghesioblast
- esyhesioblast
- es6hesioblast
- es5hesioblast
- estgesioblast
- estbesioblast
Etymology of ESTHESIOBLAST
The word "esthesioblast" has Greek origins. It is derived from two Greek words: "aisthesis", meaning "sensation", and "blastos", meaning "germ" or "bud". The term was coined in the field of embryology to describe cells responsible for the development of sensory organs and the perception of sensations.
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