Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
This review highlights unresolved roles of the vomeronasal organ in humans, suggesting relevance to pheromone detection and behavioral regulation.
The vomeronasal organ (VNO), sometimes known as Jacobson’s organ, is a vestigial anatomical feature in humans whose function and evolutionary relevance remain controversial. While clearly defined and functional in many vertebrates—notably for pheromone detection and behavioural regulation—its role in humans is ambiguous. This review consolidates current morphological, histological, neurological and clinical findings about the VNO, while emphasising developmental trends and population-specific data. Drawing on historical studies, molecular biology and comparative anatomy, we aim to offer a comprehensive perspective on the VNO’s presence and potential roles in human biology.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Al-kalbani et al. (2025) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: