olfactory learning

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process in an organism in which a relatively long-lasting adaptive behavioral change occurs in response to (repeated) exposure to an olfactory cue. [ISBN:0582227089]

Olfactory learning is a complex process that allows animals to learn and remember odors. It involves the interaction of multiple brain regions, including the olfactory bulb, the piriform cortex, the amygdala, and the hippocampus. The process begins with the detection of an odor by olfactory sensory neurons in the nose. These neurons send signals to the olfactory bulb, where they synapse with mitral cells. Mitral cells project to various brain regions, including the piriform cortex, which is responsible for odor perception. The amygdala, which is involved in emotional learning, is also connected to the olfactory bulb and piriform cortex. The hippocampus, which is involved in memory formation, is also connected to the piriform cortex. When an animal encounters an odor, it activates a specific pattern of neural activity in the olfactory bulb, piriform cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus. If the odor is paired with a reward or punishment, this neural activity can be strengthened or weakened, respectively. This process of strengthening or weakening neural connections is known as synaptic plasticity and is thought to be the basis of olfactory learning. The amygdala is involved in associating odors with emotional valence, while the hippocampus is involved in associating odors with specific contexts. The piriform cortex is thought to integrate information from the olfactory bulb, amygdala, and hippocampus to create a complete representation of the odor. Once an odor has been learned, it can be recognized and remembered even when it is presented in a different context. Olfactory learning is essential for many aspects of animal behavior, including foraging, mate selection, and predator avoidance. For example, animals can learn to associate the smell of food with a specific location, allowing them to find food more efficiently. They can also learn to associate the smell of a predator with danger, allowing them to avoid potentially harmful encounters.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (2)