Jacobson's organ

[jey-kuhb-suhnz]

noun

Anatomy, Zoology.

1. either of a pair of blind, tubular, olfactory sacs in the roof of the mouth, vestigial in humans but well-developed in many animals, especially reptiles.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Jacobson's organ¹

1870–75; named after L. L. Jacobson (died 1843), Danish anatomist

Example Sentences

Our feline friends have another tool at their disposal: the Jacobson’s organ.

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Tucked above the mouth, receptor cells in the Jacobson’s organ connect to the part of the brain associated with sexual, feeding, and social behaviors.

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This shunts air molecules to the Jacobson’s organ.

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The inhaled air is trapped on the olfactory epithelium and/or the Jacobson’s organ, giving kitties an extra chance to detect scent molecules.

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Dogs, he explained, have a “Jacobson’s organ” that helps them smell.

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