Well...
VNO Function: Pheromone Communication: The Vomeronasal Organ or VNO
is the receptor organ of a sensory system involved in chemical
communication. Among mammals, sex pheromones that advertise sexual
readiness to potential mates are often detected by the VNO. Odors
that are produced by one individual and detected by another of the
same species are called "pheromones" if the process is a real
communication with benefit to both individuals. Sexual
communication is only one example other functions are especially
well studied in snakes. Whether humans have functional VNOs is a
matter currently under investigation.
The above diagram shows the location of the vomeronasal organ in
adult humans. There is no obvious bulge in the nasal septum
indicating its position. The duct opening (VNO pit), that can be
observed endoscopically in most adult humans, is at the anterior
end (black dot next to arrowhead). There are nerves running behind
the VNO and extending back to the brain. The question mark on the
diagram-label pointing to nerve bundles indicates that it is not
yet clear whether these include true vomeronasal sensory nerves or
contain only Nervus terminalis, trigeminal and autonomic nerve
branches (See "Nervus terminalis" and extended-text). The organ
shows some differences in structure compared with other mammalian
organs. It has no obvious thick sensory epithelium but does have
some cells that have been described as bipolar receptor neurons.
The location and structure suggest that the human organ might be
stimulated by airborne chemicals rather than by stimuli dissolved
in mucus. The accessory olfactory bulbs, to which VN nerves
normally project in mammals, have not been clearly identified in
humans, raising additional questions about human VNO function. The
central target of VNO input in mammals, the amygdala, is present in
humans (see diagram) and does receive chemosensory input. It
probably shares some functions with the amygdala in other mammals
but whether these include the analysis of purely vomeronasal input
is not yet clear.
Recent experiments report that an electrical response can be
recorded from the VNO pit in awake humans in response to chemicals
found in human skin. The researchers suggest that the effective
substances (steroids) are human pheromones but have not
investigated this possibility scientifically. The best documented
examples of chemical (pheromonal?) communication in humans is the
synchronization of menstrual cycles among women who live together,
and the damping of irregularities in menstrual cycle length by
chemicals from males. However, in neither of these cases has the
VNO been clearly implicated.
I saw on Discovery channel the other day discussing about the
above. (Copied from a site) :p
They believe that VNOs are the reason why we get attracted or
turned off by the opposite sex.
Thus the season of mating and season of love.
What do you think of it?
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After a balloon bursts, possibilities of inflating it again is
equal to nil.
Give it up~!
