Two major olfactory pathways leave the amygdala-piriform area.One projects diffusely to the limbic system; the other projects to the
A) medial dorsal nuclei of the thalamus and then to the orbitofrontal cortex.
B) hippocampus and caudate.
C) striatum and olfactory bulb.
D) olfactory bulb and SI.
E) basal forebrain and cingulate.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pathway that projects to the limbic system is responsible for emotional and memory responses to various scents. The limbic system includes the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala. The diffuse projection from the amygdala-piriform area to the limbic system is important for odor-based emotional memories, such as the smell of someone's perfume triggering a memory of a past romantic experience. The limbic system is also involved in the regulation of emotional responses, the regulation of autonomic and endocrine functions, and the formation of long-term memory.

The other major olfactory pathway projects to the medial dorsal nuclei of the thalamus and then to the orbitofrontal cortex. This pathway is responsible for conscious perception of odors and the ability to identify and discriminate between different odors. The orbitofrontal cortex is also involved in assigning emotional values to odors and in decision-making.

Two Major Olfactory Pathways Leave the Amygdala-Piriform Area