Functional MR imaging during odor stimulation: preliminary data.

Abstract

Olfactory nerve-mediated and combined olfactory and trigeminal nerve-mediated odorants activate different regions of the brain. Orbitofrontal stimulation spreads to all parts of the brain when a trigeminal component is added. Habituation (deactivation) occurs with repeated testing of olfactory nerve-mediated odorants, while, paradoxically, activation increases with repeated exposure to odors that also stimulate the trigeminal nerve.