neuroepithelium

1 9.9

A layer of cells in organs for sensing like the nose or tongue that has nerve endings

noun
/ˌnʊroʊˈɛpɪˌθiliəm/

Specialized

: neuroepitelio

The olfactory neuroepithelium is responsible for detecting odors in the nasal cavity.

Examples

Damage to the neuroepithelium can impair a person’s sense of taste or smell.
Researchers examined the neuroepithelium under a microscope to study its cellular structure.
The neuroepithelium plays a crucial role in sensory perception.
In the olfactory system, the neuroepithelium contains sensory receptors.
The olfactory neuroepithelium is responsible for detecting odors in the nasal cavity.
Damage to the neuroepithelium can impair a person's sense of taste or smell.
In the olfactory system, the neuroepithelium contains sensory receptors.

Surface Forms

neuroepithelium singular

neuroepithelia plural

Morphology

neuroepithelium = epithelium (semi-transparent) = neuro + epithelium

The meaning is fairly clear from 'neuro-' plus 'epithelium', but the term is technical and not fully guessable for an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Neuroepithelium combines neuro- ('nerve') and epithelium ('surface lining', like the outer layer of the skin). So it names a thin lining that has nerve or sense cells, which is why it helps detect things such as smells and tastes.