RHINENCEPHALON (olfactory brain)
- The rhinocephalon is a part of the brain that is primarily involved in smell (olfaction)
- It is part of the olfactory system
Components :
1. Olfactory Bulb : ← tufted cells + mitral cells
- Located above the nasal cavity
- It receives input from the olfactory receptor neurons via the olfactory n.
2. Olfactory Tract :
- Is a bundle of nerve fibers that extends from the olfactory bulb to several regions of the brain
- It carries processed olfactory information to higher brain centers.
3. Anterior Olfactory Nucleus :
- The anterior olfactory nucleus is a small cluster of neurons located in the olfactory cortex, specifically in the olfactory peduncle (part of the basal forebrain).
- It receives input from the olfactory bulb and is involved in the initial processing of olfactory information.
4. Anterior Perforated Substance :
- It contains numerous small blood vessels (perforating arteries) that supply blood to the basal forebrain and other nearby structures.
- The anterior perforated substance also contains neurons involved in regulating autonomic functions and integrating sensory information.
5. Medial and lateral Olfactory Stria.
- The olfactory tract divided into medial & lateral stria.
→ lateral Stria (Root)
Supply the uncus & gives branches to :
- 1. Piriform cortex of the temporal lobe. (the 1° olfactory cortex) ← Entorhinal cortex.
- 2. Hippocampal gyrus
- 3. Amygdaloid complex
→ Medial Stria (terminates in the contralateral olfactory bulb). cross the midline via ant. commissure.
Supply :
- 1. Subcallosal gyrus
- 2. Ant. olfactory ·
which includes the piriform cortex, the amygdala, & the entorhinal cortex.