The Bulb, the Brain and the Being: New Insights into Olfactory System Anatomy, Organization and Connectivity

• DOI: 10.3390/brainsci15040368
• Publication Date: 2025-04-01T15:17:57Z
• Authors: Anton Stenwall; Aino-Linnea Uggla; David Weibust; Markus Fahlström; Mats Ryttlefors; Francesco Latini
• Keywords: Brain Anatomy

Olfaction is in many ways the least understood sensory modality. Its organization and connectivity are still under debate. The aim of this study was to investigate anatomy olfactory system by using a cadaver fiber dissection technique vivo tractography attain deeper understanding subcortical organization. Ten cerebral hemispheres were used for white matter according Klingler's technique. Measurements different cortical structures interhemispheric symmetry compared. Diffusion tensor imaging sequences from twenty-five healthy individuals Human Connectome Project dataset explore DSI Studio. White between following reconstructed vivo: (1) Olfactory bulb primary cortices; (2) secondary (3) Primary cortices. DTI metrics identified major associative, projection commissural pathways subsequently correlated with function cognition seventy-five Spearman's rank correlation Benjamini-Hochberg method false discoveries (CI 95%, p < 0.05) R. 1. showed that lateral stria significantly longer on left side projected towards amygdala, entorhinal piriform cortex. 2. medial not evident as consistent structure. 3. Both associative such uncinate fasciculus, inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus cingulum supported areas together anterior commissure. 4. No significant found or test results. We present first combined analysis system. propose novel definition where network defined tract/bulb cortices through only. supporting suggest considering these network. Further work needed pathological physiological implications