ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Olfactory bulb mitral cell

The olfactory bulb is like a special part of our brain that helps us smell things. Think of it like a magic wand that can detect different smells and send messages to our brain about what we are smelling.

Within the olfactory bulb, there are special cells called mitral cells that help us identify and process specific smells. These cells have tiny hairs called cilia that pick up odor molecules from the air when we breathe in through our nose.

Once the cilia on the mitral cells pick up a certain odor molecule, they send a message to the mitral cell. The mitral cell then works with other cells in the olfactory bulb to create a special pattern of activity that helps our brain recognize the smell.

This pattern of activity is like a special code that our brain can read to identify specific smells. For example, if we smell a rose, the mitral cells and other cells in the olfactory bulb will create a specific pattern of activity that our brain will recognize as the smell of a rose.

So, in summary, olfactory bulb mitral cells are special cells in our brain that help us smell things. They work together with other cells in the olfactory bulb to create a special pattern of activity that helps our brain recognize specific smells.