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Lateralized differences in olfactory bulb volume relate to lateralized differences in olfactory function
T Hummel1, A Haehner, C Hummel
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Dresden Medical School, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany. thummel@mail.zih.tu-dresden.de
Neuroscience
|February 5, 2013
Summary
Larger olfactory bulb (OB) volumes on one side correlate with better odor detection on that same side. This suggests the olfactory system
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Olfactory System Research
- Human Sensory Perception
Background:
- The olfactory bulb (OB) is crucial for processing smell.
- Lateralization in brain structures can influence sensory functions.
- Understanding OB volume-function relationships is key to olfactory research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between olfactory bulb (OB) volume asymmetry and olfactory function lateralization.
- To determine if side differences in OB volume predict differences in odor detection and discrimination.
Main Methods:
- Volumetric measurements of olfactory bulbs (OBs) in 164 healthy volunteers.
- Lateralized measurements of odor thresholds and odor discrimination.
- Definition of side differences as a 10% volume difference between left and right OBs.
Main Results:
- Individuals with larger right-sided OB volumes showed greater sensitivity (lower odor thresholds) to smells presented to the right nostril.
- Conversely, larger left-sided OB volumes correlated with higher sensitivity in the left nostril.
- A 10% volume difference between OBs was used to define lateralization.
Conclusions:
- Olfactory bulb (OB) volume asymmetry is associated with lateralized olfactory function.
- These findings support the concept of a lateralized organization within the human olfactory system.
- OB volume may be influenced by lateralized sensory input and processing.
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