[The human vomeronasal organ]

Nervenarzt. 2003 Oct;74(10):858-62. doi: 10.1007/s00115-003-1573-7.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Odors influence human behavior. The perception of so-called pheromones is frequently mentioned in the context of a functional vomeronasal organ. Vomeronasal ducts can be detected in approximately half of the population. Its functionality, still a matter of debate, seems to be unlikely, at least after birth. It is easily conceivable that pheromone-induced changes in behavior are mediated through receptors in the human olfactory epithelium.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Arousal / physiology
  • Electroencephalography
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Nasal Septum / embryology
  • Nasal Septum / innervation
  • Pheromones*
  • Pregnancy
  • Smell / physiology*
  • Vomeronasal Organ / anatomy & histology*
  • Vomeronasal Organ / embryology

Substances

  • Pheromones