A specialized odor memory buffer in primary olfactory cortex.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The neural substrates of olfactory working memory are unknown. We addressed the questions of whether olfactory working memory involves a verbal representation of the odor, or a sensory image of the odor, or both, and the location of the neural substrates of these processes.

Methodology/principal findings

We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to measure activity in the brains of subjects who were remembering either nameable or unnameable odorants. We found a double dissociation whereby remembering nameable odorants was reflected in sustained activity in prefrontal language areas, and remembering unnameable odorants was reflected in sustained activity in primary olfactory cortex.

Conclusions/significance

These findings suggest a novel dedicated mechan

SUBMITTER: Zelano C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2654926 | biostudies-literature | 2009

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature