Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026

A Lateralized Odor Learning Model in Neonatal Rats for Dissecting Neural Circuitry Underpinning Memory Formation
Published on: August 18, 2014
Neurons in the human basolateral amygdala and hippocampal formation do not respond to odors
E Halgren1, T L Babb, R Rausch
1Division of Neurological Surgery, Reed Neurological Research Center and Brain Research Institute, UCLA Center for the Health Sciences, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA.
Abstract:
Extracellular action potentials were recorded from human hippocampal, hippocampal gyrus, and basolateral amygdala neurons during passive and active olfactory stimulation. Introduction of an odor into a continuous stream of air passing over the olfactory mucosa resulted in no detectable change in firing. Actively sniffing from an odorous flask, whether or not the odor was detected or recognized, also failed to elicit an immediate unit response. However, after a latency of 10-15 sec, the slight hyperventilation inherent in sniffing did induce a strong change in firing by many neurons. In contrast to these unit responses, a short-latency EEG spindle was recorded in the amygdala that appeared directly related to mechanical stimulation of the olfactory mucosa.
Related Concept Videos
Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway
The olfactory...
Olfaction
The olfactory receptors are embedded in the cilia of the...
Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure
Functional Brain Systems: Limbic System
Role of Amygdala in Memory
One of the...

