Newsletter Vomeronasal Organ (VNO) What is Vomeronasal Organ? While the human body is filled with intricate structures and organs, there are some that often remain hidden from the limelight. One such organ is the vomeronasal organ (VNO). Nestled deep within the nasal cavity, the Vomeronasal Organ plays a pivotal role in chemical communication and the perception of pheromones. In this article, we delve into the fascinating world of the vomeronasal organ, exploring its anatomy, function, and the ongoing debates surrounding its significance in humans. Anatomy of the Vomeronasal Organ The vomeronasal organ is a chemosensory structure found in many vertebrates, including humans, though its presence and functionality are subject to debate. Located within the nasal cavity, the It is situated close to the septum, just above the incisive canal. It consists of two narrow ducts, called the vomeronasal ducts, which open into the nasal cavity through small openings known as vomeronasal pores. Function and Significance The primary function of the Vomeronasal Organ is to detect and process pheromones. Pheromones are chemical signals released by individuals of the same species, which can influence various physiological and behavioral responses in conspecifics. It is highly specialized for detecting these chemical signals, which are important for social and reproductive interactions in many animals. In non-human mammals, the this organ plays a crucial role in mediating various behaviors, such as sexual attraction, territorial marking, and maternal-infant bonding. It is involved in detecting pheromones related to reproductive status, dominance, and social communication. However, the existence and functionality of this organ in humans are subjects of ongoing scientific investigation and debate. Debates and Controversies The presence and functionality of the Vomeronasal Organ in humans have been a topic of controversy within the scientific community. Some researchers argue that while the Vomeronasal Organ develops during embryonic development, it regresses and becomes non-functional in humans, rendering it obsolete in adulthood. They propose that other olfactory structures, such as the main olfactory system, play a more significant role in chemical communication. On the other hand, proponents of the Vomeronasal Organ’s functionality in humans argue that it may still play a role, albeit a diminished one, in mediating subconscious responses to pheromones. They suggest that this organ might contribute to modulating social behaviors, such as mate selection and certain emotional responses. However, further research is needed to reach a definitive conclusion on the exact functionality of this organ in humans. Conclusion The vomeronasal organ, although a small and enigmatic structure within the human nasal cavity, holds great potential for unraveling the complexities of chemical communication and pheromonal perception. While its functionality in humans is a subject of ongoing debate, this organ remains an intriguing area of research. Continued scientific investigations into the Vomeronasal Organ’s anatomy, molecular biology, and evolutionary history will shed light on its true significance and potential impact on human behavior. Library Anatomy Anesthesiology Biochemistry Cardiology Dermatology Emergency Endocrinology ENT Examinations Forensic Med. Obs. & Gynae. Hematology Medicine Microbiology Nephrology Neurology Oncology Ophthalmology Orthopaedics Paediatrics Parasitology Pathology Pharmacology Physiology Psychiatry Pulmonology Radiology Rheumatology Surgery

Newsletter Vomer Bone What is Vomer Bone? The vomer is a small bone of the facial skeleton (or viscerocranium). The vomer is one of the unpaired facial bones of the skull. This name is derived from the Latin word for a ploughshare and the shape of the bone. It is located in the midsagittal plane of the skull. Vomer bone forms the posteroinferior part of the nasal septum, with the superior part formed by the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone. This articulates with the sphenoid, the ethmoid, the left and right palatine bones, and the left and right maxillary bones. The name is derived from the Latin word for a ploughshare and the shape of the bone. Vomer bone has horizontal projecting superior expansions of bone called the ala of the vomer (wings) and a vertical perpendicular plate, which forms the main part of the bone. The vomer has two surfaces. On each surface, it presents a prominent oblique groove for the nasopalatine nerve and vessels called the nasopalatine groove. The isolated bone has four borders: anterior, posterior, superior, and inferior. The thickest border is the superior border which possesses a deep furrow between projecting alae, which fits the rostrum of the body of the sphenoid bone. Borders of Vomer Bone The anterior border is the longest and slopes downward and forward. Its upper half is fused with the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid; its lower half is grooved for the inferior margin of the septal cartilage of the nose. The posterior border is free of bony articulation, having no muscle attachments. It is concave, separates the choanae, and is thick and bifid above, thin below. The superior border, the thickest, presents a deep furrow, bounded on either side by a horizontal projecting expansion of bone – called the wing of vomer; the furrow receives the rostrum of the sphenoid, while the margins of the alae articulate with the vaginal processes of the medial pterygoid plates of the sphenoid behind, and with the sphenoidal processes of the palatine bones in front. The inferior border articulates with the crest formed by the maxillæ and palatine bones. Articulations of Vomer Bone The human vomer bone articulates with six bones: Two of the cranium, the sphenoid and ethmoid. Four of the face, two maxillae; and two palatine bones. The inferior border of the vomer articulates with the maxillae and the palatine bones. The superior border articulates with the sphenoid bone. The anterior border articulates with the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone and the nasal septal cartilage. The posterior border, however, is not attached to any bones, making it one of the few bones of the skull which does not fully articulate to other bones. This border separates the posterior nasal apertures or choanae. Vomer bone also articulates with the septal cartilage of the nose. Library Anatomy Anesthesiology Biochemistry Cardiology Dermatology Emergency Endocrinology ENT Examinations Forensic Med. Obs. & Gynae. Hematology Medicine Microbiology Nephrology Neurology Oncology Ophthalmology Orthopaedics Paediatrics Parasitology Pathology Pharmacology Physiology Psychiatry Pulmonology Radiology Rheumatology Surgery