Nasal lining. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the olfactory epithelium that lines the nasal cavity, showing olfactory cells (star shaped) surrou

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Nasal lining. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the olfactory epithelium that lines the nasal cavity, showing olfactory cells (star shaped) surrounded by numerous cilia (hair-like projections). The cilia are covered with a sticky mucus (not seen) that traps dust and other inhaled particles. Co-ordinated, wave-like beating of the cilia propels the mucus to the back of the nose (pharynx), where it is swallowed. The olfactory vesicles are bipolar neurons (nerve cells) that transmit 'smell' information to the brain. Magnification: x300 when printed 10 centimetres wide.

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Size: 4571px × 3925px
Photo credit: © STEVE GSCHMEISSNER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: anatomical, anatomy, biological, biology, bipolar, black, cavity, cell, cells, cilia, ciliated, cilium, epithelial, epithelium, hair, hair-, hairs, lining, membrane, monochrome, mucosa, mucous, nasal, neurological, neurology, neuron, neurone, neurones, neurons, nose, olfaction, olfactory, respiratory, secretory, sem, sense, smell, tissue, tract, vesicle, vesicles, white