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Pheromones, the Vomeronasal System, and Communication: From Hormonal Responses to Individual Recognition
Author(s) -
Johnston Robert E.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1998.tb10592.x
Subject(s) - vomeronasal organ , pheromone , sex pheromone , odor , olfactory system , context (archaeology) , neuroscience , olfaction , biology , sensory system , chemical communication , communication , psychology , ecology , zoology , paleontology
The functions of the vomeronasal and olfactory systems are evaluated within the broad context of chemical communication in mammals. Five main points are stressed. First , there are a variety of types of chemical signals, ranging from classic Pheromones to odor quality signals, all of which are important for communication. Second , the vomeronasal organ is primarily responsible for mediating responses to some, but by no means all, Pheromone‐like signals. Third , the olfactory system mediates responses to some Pheromone‐like signals. Fourth , the vomeronasal system mediates some responses to odor quality signals. Thus, not all receptors in the vomeronasal organ are involved in detection of Pheromones. Fifth , the vomeronasal and olfactory systems often interact to mediate responses to odor signals. In sum, it is important to maintain a broad, balanced view and to avoid oversimplifications if we are to advance our understanding of the sensory mechanisms underlying responses to chemical signals and other odors.