THE SPECIAL SENSES – NOSE, TONGUE, THE SKIN

ORGAN OF OLFACTION (NOSE)

The olfaction area present in the nasal mucous membrane in the roof of nasal cavity above the
superior concha.
It is lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelium which have olfactory receptor cells that carry
the impulse of smell to the brain.
Olfactory receptor cell is surrounded by many supporting cells.
The olfactory receptor cells bear cilia (15-20 per cell) which project into the nasal cavity.
In both nostrils of man there are around 10 to 20 milion receptor cells.
Axon fibres emerge from each receptor cell and form the olfactory nerve.
The molecules of the odorant is carried by the air to the nasal mucosa where they are dissolved in
the mucous.
They come in contact with the cilia of receptor cells and the impulse of smell is carried by the
olfactory nerve to the brain to perceive the stimulus.
ORGAN OF GUSTATION (TONGUE)
The organs of taste or taste buds are found in the tongue in the form of papillae.
Each papilla has several buds, which open on tongue surface by taste pore.
Taste receptor cells are surrounded by supporting cells.
Receptor cells bear microvilli which project out of the pore and receive the stimulus.
The receptor cells of taste bud have fine nerves that are linked to the brain stem via facial,
glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves.
The nerves carry impulse of taste which finally reaches the somaesthetic area of cerebral cortex and the
stimulus of taste is perceived.
THE SKIN
Divided into two parts :
a. Outer thin epidermis.
b. Inner thick dermis
Epidermis
Composed of several layers i.e. stratified epithelium.
From inside towards the surface, these layers are
i. Stratum malpighii ii. Stratum spinosum
iii. Stratum granulosum iv. Stratum lucidum
v. Stratum corneum
DERMIS
It lies below epidermis and is 2-3 times thicker than it. It is mesodermal in origin.
Mainly composed of connective tissue having collagen and elastic fibres and cells like fibroblast and
macrophages.
Folded in the region of contact for firm anchoring.
Folds are called dermal papillae and are rich in blood vessels and cutaneous receptors.
The nerve endings are encapsulated.
Pacinian corpuscles found in deeper layers are sensitive to mechanical pressure.
End bulbs of Krause are cold receptors.
Organs of Ruffni are heat receptors.
Below the dermis is a fatty layer called panniculus adiposus.
It stores fats, fat soluble vitamins, acts as insulator preventing heat loss.
DERIVATIVES OF EPIDERMIS
Hair
1. It is found embedded by its root in oblique tube like hair follicle, the lower of which enlarges to
form hair bulb.
2. Below hair bulb is a papilla called hair papilla which is highly vascular and neuro sensory;
supplies nourishment to hair.
3. The projecting part of hair is called shaft.
4. T.S. of shaft of hair shows following structures from inside to outside.
i. Medulla : contains air spaces, surrouned by soft keratinized cells.
ii. Cortex : hard keratin fibres with air spaces; contain pigments.
iii. Cuticle : thin, scaly, irregular, heavily keratinized cells without nuclei.
iv. Cuticle of inner root sheath : delicate, single layer of dead squamous cells.
v. Huxley’s layer : 1 - 2 layers of horny, flattened, nucleated cells.
vi. Henle’s layer : single layered, cuboidal, nucleated cells.
5. Small involuntary muscle bundle, the arrector pili, is attached to the hair follicle; it helps in
erection of hair by contracting.
Functions of Hair
1. Protection
2. Provides thermal insulation
3. Tactile
4. Eye lashes protect eye
5. Hair of nasal chamber trap dust etc.
Nails
1. Present dorsally at distal ends of digits and are dorsoventrally compressed.
2. The base of the nail is overlapped by a circular fold of kerationus material (cuticle).
3. They protect the outer edge of digit.
Sebaceous Glands
1. Found in outer dermis; associated with hair.
2. Large, pear shaped, simple or branched alveolar glands.
3. Secrete oily substance called sebum for lubrication.
4. Also synthesize vitamin D in presence of sunlight.
5. They are holocrine glands i.e. cell distintegrates in order to discharge its contents.
6. New cells are, hence continuously formed.
7. Secretion and cell proliferation governed by temperature, age, sex hormone etc.
Sweat Glands (or Sudoriferous Glands)
1. Simple, coiled, tubular, located in dermis.
2. Duct of gland opens on surface of skin by a small pore.
3. Secretory part made of simple cuboidal epithelium.
4. Secretion called sweat has 95% water and 5% metabolic wastes.
5. Function : thermoregulation and removal of metabolic wastes.
Mammary Glands
1. Very characteristic of mammals.
2. Found in deep dermis ; functional only in lactating females.
3. Modified sebacious or sweat glands.
4. Made of number of lobules with many alveoli which are lined by secretory cells.
5. Duct opens on the elevated area called nipple
6. Secrete milk after parturition for nourishing the young.
7. Milk contains water, fat, proteins (casein, lactoglobulin, lactoalbumin), lactose and milk fats.
Meibomian Glands
1. Found on the margin of eye lids.
2. They are modified sebaceous glands.
3. Composed of number of alveoli; each with a separate duct and opening.
4. Its oily secretion forms a film over surface of eye.
Perineal Glands (or Inguinal Glands)
1. They are modified sebacious or sweat glands.
2. Secretion emits strong odour, hence, also called scent-glands.
Ceruminous Glands
1. Found in external ear passages (auditory meatus)
2. They are modified sweat glands.
3. Secrete ear wax or cerumin, lubricate and protect tympanum.
Function of Skin
1. Protects against mechanical injuries, radiations, moisture loss, and foreign particles.
2. Maintains definite body shape.
3. It is an important sensory organ.
4. Stores fat in deeper layers of dermis.
5. Manufactures vitamin D in presence of sunlight.
6. Regulates body temperature.