olfactory cell

olfactory cell

noun

Definition of OLFACTORY CELL

: a sensory cell specialized for the reception of sensory stimuli caused by odors; specifically : any of the spindle-shaped neurons that are buried in the nasal mucous membrane of vertebrates and that have a round nucleus and two slender processes of which the inner constitutes an olfactory nerve fiber and the short outer one is modified peripherally to form the actual sensory receptor—see olfactory organ