Smell cells in your nose get worn out. Olfactory basal cells are the stem cells that keep making new ones, all your life.
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High up inside your nose is a small patch of lining that can smell. It is packed with smell nerve cells.
Olfactory basal cells (ol-FAK-tuh-ree BAY-sul) are small cells at the very bottom of this patch. Basal means at the base.
Scroll up to the 3D model and press Grow a new smell cell.
Basal cells are stem cells. They can split and turn into new smell nerve cells and other cells in the smell patch.
Smell cells touch the air, so they get worn out. When old ones wear out, basal cells make new ones to take their place. After a bad cold, they help rebuild the smell patch.
Most nerve cells are not replaced. Smell nerve cells are one of the few kinds your body keeps making new all your life!
By Smile and Learn - English. A fun video for kids.
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