From the Research
The piriform cortex is called by that name because of its pear-shaped structure, as indicated by its Latin roots "pirum" meaning pear and "forma" meaning shape or form. This brain region is located in the temporal lobe and forms part of the primary olfactory cortex, making it essential for processing smell information 1. The piriform cortex receives direct input from the olfactory bulb through the lateral olfactory tract and plays a crucial role in odor discrimination, memory, and perception. Its distinctive pear-like morphology is consistent across mammalian species, including humans, and this characteristic anatomical shape has been recognized since early neuroanatomical studies, leading to its descriptive name.
Some key points about the piriform cortex include:
- It is a trilaminar paleocortex that is of interest for its role in odor coding and as a model for studying general principles of cortical sensory processing 2
- The piriform cortex is rich in recurrent excitatory synaptic connections between pyramidal neurons, which shape cortical responses to olfactory lateral olfactory tract (LOT) inputs 3
- The piriform cortex's unique structure reflects its specialized function in the olfactory system, where it helps transform chemical sensory information into meaningful odor perceptions
- Recent studies have investigated the connectivity-based architecture of the human piriform cortex, providing a more comprehensive understanding of its structure and function 1
Overall, the piriform cortex plays a critical role in the olfactory system, and its distinctive structure and function are essential for processing smell information. The most recent and highest quality study on the topic, published in 2024, provides valuable insights into the connectivity-based architecture of the human piriform cortex 1.