VOMERONASAL SYSTEM Meaning and
Definition
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The vomeronasal system is a specialized sensory system found in many vertebrates, including mammals, that is responsible for detecting pheromones. It is also known as the Jacobson's organ, named after its discoverer, the Danish anatomist Ludvig Jacobson.
This system consists of a pair of small, fluid-filled sacs called vomeronasal organs (or VNOs), located in the nasal cavity in the roof of the mouth. These organs are lined with sensory epithelium that contains specialized receptor cells, known as vomeronasal receptors, which are sensitive to specific chemical compounds called pheromones. These receptors detect pheromones in the form of volatile molecules or tiny droplets that are released by other animals of the same species, often during social or reproductive behaviors.
Once the pheromones are detected, the sensory information is transmitted to the brain, specifically to the vomeronasal nucleus and other related regions, through the vomeronasal nerve. The brain then processes this information, which can influence various social and physiological responses, such as mating behavior, aggression, territorial marking, and recognition of individuals within a species.
While the vomeronasal system is well-studied and known to play a significant role in many animals, including insects, reptiles, and mammals, its function in humans remains somewhat controversial. The presence and exact role of the vomeronasal system in humans is still a topic of ongoing research and debate among scientists.
Common Misspellings for VOMERONASAL SYSTEM
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Etymology of VOMERONASAL SYSTEM
The word "Vomeronasal System" is a combination of two terms, "vomer" and "nasal", referring to specific anatomical features.
- The term "vomer" is derived from Latin, where it means "plowshare". The bone in the human skull that divides the nasal cavity is shaped like a plowshare and is called the vomer bone, as it resembles the form of a plowshare. "Vomer" has been used in anatomical language to refer to this bone in various species.
- The term "nasal" is derived from the Latin word "nasus", meaning "nose". It refers to anything related to the nose or nasal cavity.
The combination of these terms, "vomer" and "nasal", creates the phrase "Vomeronasal System" to describe a specific sensory organ found in many animals.
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