A Histological Study of Human Olfactory Mucosa in Different Age Groups

Objectives To study the human olfactory mucosa in different age groups. Introduction The olfactory mucosa of a number of vertebrate species, including man has been previously studied under light and electron microscope. The human studies have been confined to a limited numbers of cases. There are marked geographical differences between Pakistan and other countries where most of the research on olfactory epithelium has been conducted. Materials and Methods Enbloc specimens were obtained from 80 cadavers (human tissue act) ranging between 30 to 82 years of age. The olfactory mucosa was dissected, decalcified, processed, stained with H&E and observed under LM. Results The olfactory mucosa was observed with its characteristic cells in the epithelium along with Bowman's glands and olfactory nerve fascicles in the lamina propria. In the age group 30 to 49 years, short epithelial invaginations were seen and a thinner respiratory epithelium was observed in the area of olfactory epithelium. In the age group 50 years onwards major morphological changes like substantial reduction in the number of nuclei of olfactory receptor cells resulting in decreased height of epithelium, disturbance of zonal distribution of nuclei of different cells and presence of deep invaginations of surface epithelium into the mucosa were seen. In the advance age gradual thinning and atrophy of epithelium devoid of olfactory receptor cells was observed. ANOVA showed significant age‐related decrease in the number of olfactory calls and height of epithelium. Conclusion These results suggest that loss of olfactory cells becomes pronounced after 50 years of age, which is associated with impairing of olfactory sensibility. Source of Research Support University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan