Background

The posterior piriform cortex is associated with an odor’s quality, regardless of its chemical composition. That is, the posterior piriform cortex groups together odors that smell similar to us, regardless of chemical origin.

Use this activity to see a simulation of how oders can be represented on the posterior piriform cortex.

Instructions

Full Screen Mode

To see the illustration in full screen, which is recommended, press the Full Screen button, which appears at the top of the page.

Illustration Tab

On the Illustration tab, see smells represented on the posterior piriform cortex.

Settings

Below is a list of the ways that you can alter the illustration. The settings include the following:

Pick a Smell: choose one of the odors and see where the smell is represented on the posterior piriform cortex, the dark gray region.

Reset

Pressing this button restores the settings to their default values.

Proceed to Quiz