A Short Glance at the Role of Olfactory Tubercle in Odour Processing

Abstract

The mammalian olfactory system is one of the most precocious sensory systems during development and is innately endowed with versatile functions distinct from other sensory systems. Perception of time-locked olfaction-related stimuli quickly from the external environment and encoding them accurately via the olfactory system is paramount for the survival and reproduction in the animal kingdom. The olfactory system of mammals encompasses the main and accessory parts. As one key component of the ventral striatum, the olfactory tubercle (OT), is also an important as well as indispensable sub-region of the main olfactory system and plays a crucial role in the central processing of odours. The OT also serves as a hub linking the olfactory system with the reward system in the brain. Although extensive research has underscored the involvement of the ventral striatum in the reward and punishment process as well as motivational behaviour, the encoding mechanism of neural circuits engaged in odour detection and recognition by the OT is still largely unknown. Herein, we make a brief overview of the olfactory system and underscore the crucial role of olfactory receptors in odour detection. We also emphasize the structural and functional characterisations of the OT and corresponding neural circuits involved in odour processing.