Olfactory system and central nervous system

The olfactory system and central nervous system (CNS) are complex physiological systems rather than individual molecular targets. The olfactory system is responsible for the detection and processing of odorants, involving specialized sensory neurons and the olfactory bulb (National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, 2022). The CNS, comprising the brain and spinal cord, acts as the primary integration and command center for the body, regulating sensory, motor, and cognitive functions (National Cancer Institute, 2023). Because these terms describe entire anatomical regions and biological networks, they do not represent a single protein, enzyme, or receptor that can be targeted by a drug (Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 2006). Instead, they contain thousands of distinct molecular targets, such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and ion channels, which are the actual focus of therapeutic intervention. Drugs targeting these systems are often used to treat neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatric disorders, and sensory impairments. Consequently, "Olfactory system and central nervous system" is considered an incorrect designation for a specific therapeutic target in a pharmacological database.

Other names

Olfactory systemCentral nervous systemCNS

Not applicable as this is a physiological system, not a molecular target.