Primary olfactory cortex

Primary Olfactory Cortex

The Primary Olfactory Cortex (POC) is a region of the brain that is part of the olfactory system. It is involved in the processing of olfactory (smell) information. The POC is located in the temporal lobe and is one of the oldest parts of the brain in evolutionary terms.

File:Gray727 olfactory bulb.png

The olfactory bulb, which sends information to the primary olfactory cortex.

Anatomy

The primary olfactory cortex is made up of several areas including the piriform cortex, the anterior olfactory nucleus, the periaqueductal gray, and the olfactory tubercle. These areas are all interconnected and work together to process olfactory information.

Function

The primary function of the POC is to receive and process olfactory information. This information is then sent to other areas of the brain, including the orbitofrontal cortex, for further processing and integration with other sensory information.

Clinical significance

Damage to the primary olfactory cortex can result in a loss of smell, a condition known as anosmia. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including head trauma, infection, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

See also

• Olfactory bulb
• Olfactory system
• Olfaction

External links

• Scholarpedia article on the olfactory cortex