Connectivity of the olfactory tubercle: inputs, outputs, and their plasticity

Abstract

The olfactory tubercle (OT) is a unique part of the olfactory cortex of the mammal brain in that it is also a component of the ventral striatum. It is crucially involved in motivational behaviors, particularly in adaptive olfactory learning. This review introduces the basic properties of the OT, its synaptic connectivity with other brain areas, and the plasticity of the connectivity associated with learning behavior. The adaptive properties of olfactory behavior are discussed further based on the characteristics of OT neuronal circuits.