The Olfactory Cortex

Tim Johannes van Hartevelt, M.L. Kringelbach

Research output: Contribution to book/anthology/report/proceedingBook chapterResearch

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Abstract The olfactory system is a unique and important sense which has, however, been underrepresented in research. It plays a crucial role in food selection and reproduction, ensuring survival for both the individual and the species. The olfactory system is unique compared to the other senses in that, among other things, information is not relayed via the thalamus, but instead projected directly to cortical regions such as the orbitofrontal cortex. This article describes the information processing in the olfactory system from the olfactory epithelium to the cortical projection areas, based on translational research and imaging studies, and details the multimodal interactions between olfaction and gustation. Equally, we describe the breakdown of the sense of smell that can be devastating and is implicated in anhedonia, the lack of pleasure, a key feature of mental illness.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationBrain Mapping
EditorsArthur W. Toga
Number of pages9
PublisherAcademic Press
Publication date2015
Pages347-355
ISBN (Print)978-0-12-397316-0
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015

Keywords

  • Food
  • Hedonia
  • Multimodal
  • Olfaction
  • Olfactory bulb
  • Orbitofrontal cortex
  • Piriform cortex
  • Primary olfactory cortex

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The Olfactory Cortex'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this