Question

Glands whose secretions pick up odoriferous substances to stimulate olfactory nerves are
(a) Bidder’s glands
(b) Cowper’s glands
(c) Meibomian glands
(d) Bowman’s glands
(e) Ceruminous glands

Answer 1

Glands whose secretions pick up odoriferous substances to stimulate olfactory nerves are located in an air- filled cavity which later paves the way to our main respiratory organs. The axons of these nerves end in the anterior lobe of the forebrain.

Complete step by step answer:
Bowman’s gland is also known as olfactory glands. They are located beneath the olfactory epithelium, in the olfactory mucosa of the nasal cavity. It is surrounded by connective tissue composed of blood vessels and interspersed with fibroblasts in the matrix. Also, the bundles of axons of olfactory neurons are also situated around them. A typical structure of the bowman's gland consists of a cluster of cells forming a bulb- like structure known as acinus at the end of a secretory duct. They secrete proteins that bind to the odor-producing molecules or odoriferous substances. Their binding stimulates the olfactory nerves and takes this sensory information to the olfactory bulb situated in the frontal lobe of the cerebrum.

Additional Information:
- Bidder’s organ or Bidder’s gland is a brown colored, spherical organ present in the reproductive system of frogs. Their function is related to the regulation and release of sex hormones.
- Cowper’s gland or Bulbourethral gland is a pea- shaped gland situated beneath the prostate gland in the male reproductive system of humans. Its function is to release an alkaline fluid to neutralize the acidic environment in the urethra due to urine before the ejaculation of semen.
- Meibomian glands are a type of oil gland located at the rims of the eyelids and eyelashes. It keeps the eye surface clean and well- lubricated. It prevents the quick evaporation of the tear film that coats the eye surface.
- Ceruminous glands are placed in the external auditory canal that connects the external ear to the middle ear. They produce cerumen or ear wax which lubricates as well as trap any foreign material entering the ear.
So, the correct answer is ‘(d) Bowman’s glands.’

Note:
- The external ear comprises a pinna and external auditory meatus or canal. Pinna is sensitive as well as effective in receiving the incoming sound waves.
- The sound waves travel through a tubular passage ‘external auditory meatus’ which is lined by hair and ceruminous(wax glands) and enters the middle ear.