The vomeronasal organ – incidence in a Bulgarian population

Abstract Background: The vomeronasal organ is an accessory olfactory organ found in vertebrates that specialises in the chemoreception of pheromones. This study aimed to explore the existence and occurrence of the vomeronasal organ in adult humans. Methods: A total of 966 consecutive video recordings of out-patient nasopharyngolaryngoscopies performed at the St Marina University Hospital, Varna, Bulgaria, were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Data analysis showed that from the evaluable cases, the organ was evident on the left side of the nasal septum in 14.93 per cent, on the right side in 21.15 per cent and bilaterally in 2.35 per cent of cases. The vomeronasal organ was present in a total of 26.83 per cent of the investigated subjects. Conclusion: More research should be focused on revealing the incidence and functionality of the organ, and on its preservation in surgical manipulations that affect the nasal septum and other nearby structures.

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