OLFACTORY AREA Meaning and
Definition
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The olfactory area, also known as the olfactory cortex or primary olfactory area, refers to the region of the brain responsible for processing and interpreting olfactory information received through the sense of smell. It is located in the temporal lobe, specifically in the medial temporal lobe, adjacent to the limbic system.
This brain region plays a crucial role in odor perception and recognition. When odor molecules interact with the chemoreceptors in the nasal cavity, they generate electrical signals that are then transmitted to the olfactory area. Here, the signals are processed and decoded, allowing individuals to distinguish and identify different smells.
The olfactory area is composed of several interconnected structures, including the olfactory bulb, olfactory tract, and piriform cortex. The olfactory bulb acts as a relay station, receiving the sensory input from the nose and forwarding it to the olfactory tract. From there, the information is directed to the piriform cortex and other regions of the olfactory area for further processing and analysis.
The olfactory area is unique among sensory processing regions because it is closely associated with the limbic system, which regulates emotions, memory, and behavior. This close proximity explains why certain smells can evoke strong emotional responses and trigger vivid memories. Additionally, it is believed that the olfactory area plays a role in the formation of new memories and emotional associations.
In summary, the olfactory area refers to the region of the brain responsible for processing and interpreting olfactory information received through the sense of smell. It plays a crucial role in odor perception, recognition, memory, and emotional responses to smells.
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The area embracing the locus perforatus anterior, the trigonum olfactorium, the anterior part of the callosal gyrus, and the uncus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for OLFACTORY AREA
- ilfactory area
- klfactory area
- llfactory area
- plfactory area
- 0lfactory area
- 9lfactory area
- okfactory area
- opfactory area
- oofactory area
- oldactory area
- olcactory area
- olvactory area
- olgactory area
- oltactory area
- olractory area
- olfzctory area
- olfsctory area
- olfwctory area
- olfqctory area
- olfaxtory area
Etymology of OLFACTORY AREA
The etymology of the word "olfactory" comes from the Latin word "olfactus", meaning "smell", which is derived from the Latin verb "olfacere", meaning "to smell". The term "olfactory area" refers to a specific part of the brain responsible for processing the sense of smell.
