The Olfactory Cortex and the Ventral Striatum

Abstract

The first part of the paper deals with the relations between the olfactory bulb and the olfactory cortex, represented by the rat and to a lesser extent the rhesus monkey. The second part addresses itself to the olfactory tubercle and its relation to the olfactory system on the one hand, and to the basal ganglia on the other. The discussion related to the second part is to a certain extent supported by recently obtained data, that are either in press or in the process of being prepared for publication. It is also somewhat theoretical. A speculative approach, however, may be justified in a volume commemorating James Papez, especially if it serves to focus attention on a poorly understood area of the basal forebrain. The reference to James Papez is appropriate also from another point of view. Part of our presentation pertains to the concept of the ventral strio-pallidal system, and although this concept is not directly comparable to Papez's notion of the ``motor olfactory striatum'' (Papez, 1929), we have no doubt been inspired by his insight and imagination.