Reference

Spatial representations in the olfactory bulb play a crucial role in smell perception. According to various studies, these representations are not static but evolve across a sniff, adapting to the discrimination of similar odors [1]. The early olfactory system translates information about molecules into a space relevant for perception and action by exploiting regularities in odorant structures [2]. This spatial organization within the olfactory bulb is essential for odor identity and concentration, which are represented by spatio-temporal patterns rather than purely spatial patterns [3].

The spatial aspect of odor representation is also crucial for the formation of a cognitive map that animals use to navigate their environments [4]. The olfactory bulb activations are related to perceptual representations on a spatial level, indicating the importance of spatial information in odor coding [5]. Furthermore, the spatial patterning of odorant receptor gene expression and glomeruli in the olfactory bulb contributes to the formation of these spatial representations [6].

In summary, the spatial representations in the olfactory bulb are dynamic and essential for translating molecular information into a form that is perceptually relevant for smell discrimination and navigation. These representations are intricately linked with the temporal aspects of odor processing, forming a complex spatio-temporal code that underlies our sense of smell. Images related to the spatial representations in the olfactory bulb can be found in various scientific articles, illustrating the complexity and organization of this process [7].