Which of the following statements is true concerning olfactory cells?

• A. Olfactory cells are responsible for detecting light stimuli in the retina.
• B. Olfactory cells are a type of glial cell that support neurons in the olfactory bulb.
• C. Olfactory cells are specialized neurons that detect odorant molecules through G protein-coupled receptors.
• D. Olfactory cells transmit electrical signals directly to skeletal muscles involved in breathing.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the role of olfactory cells. Olfactory cells are specialized neurons located in the olfactory epithelium of the nasal cavity. Their primary function is to detect odorant molecules in the environment.
2. Step 2: Clarify the mechanism of detection. Olfactory cells use G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) on their surface to bind odorant molecules. This binding initiates a signal transduction pathway that converts chemical signals into electrical signals.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the incorrect options. The statement 'Olfactory cells are responsible for detecting light stimuli in the retina' is incorrect because light detection is the function of photoreceptor cells in the retina, not olfactory cells.
4. Step 4: Address the second incorrect option. The statement 'Olfactory cells are a type of glial cell that support neurons in the olfactory bulb' is incorrect because olfactory cells are neurons, not glial cells. Glial cells provide support and protection for neurons but do not detect odorant molecules.
5. Step 5: Analyze the final incorrect option. The statement 'Olfactory cells transmit electrical signals directly to skeletal muscles involved in breathing' is incorrect because olfactory cells transmit signals to the brain, specifically the olfactory bulb, for processing odors. They do not directly control skeletal muscles.