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Left Posterior Orbitofrontal Cortex Is Associated With Odor-Induced Autobiographical Memory: An fMRI Study
Keiko Watanabe1,2, Yuri Masaoka1, Mitsuru Kawamura2
1Department of Physiology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Frontiers in Psychology
|June 6, 2018
Summary
Autobiographical odor memories (AM-odor) trigger strong emotions and vivid recall. The left posterior orbitofrontal cortex (L-POFC) is activated during AM-odor, linked to slow breathing and emotional processing.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Sensory Science
Background:
- Autobiographical odor memories (AM-odor) evoke potent emotions and a sense of realism.
- Olfactory-triggered memories differ from those evoked by other senses due to unique neural processing.
- The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) plays a crucial role in emotion and memory integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific subregions of the OFC involved in AM-odor.
- To explore the neural correlates of emotional and physiological responses during AM-odor recall.
- To examine brain connectivity patterns associated with AM-odor.
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to monitor brain activity.
- Participants experienced AM-odor and a control odor, rating subjective experiences.
- Psychophysiological interaction (PPI) analysis assessed functional connectivity between brain regions.
Main Results:
- Both odors increased pleasantness ratings, but AM-odor uniquely elevated arousal and memory vividness.
- fMRI revealed significant activation in the left posterior OFC (L-POFC) during AM-odor.
- Slow, deep breathing, correlated with activation in the rostral dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (rdACC), accompanied AM-odor.
Conclusions:
- The L-POFC is a key region for processing autobiographical odor memories.
- Emotional and physiological responses during AM-odor involve interconnected brain networks, including the L-POFC, precuneus, rdACC, and parahippocampus.
- Slow breathing during AM-odor may be mediated by the rdACC, suggesting a link between olfaction, emotion, and autonomic regulation.
Keywords:
anterior cingulate cortex (ACC)arousalautobiographical memorybreathingolfactionposterior orbitofrontal cortexvividnessMore Related Videos
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