Olfactory Bulb Response in the Turtle

Abstract

RECENT investigations^1,2 on the electrically evoked potential in the vertebrate olfactory bulb propose a precise description of the components of the potential and some understanding of the neural elements generating the observable electrical phenomena. In the present work the turtle, Chrysemys picta belli, was used because the gross anatomical structure favoured investigation of some neural parameters. In this animal the primary olfactory fibres, easily accessible to the investigator, are grouped into large bundles terminating in different areas of the bulb. By electrically stimulating the separate bundles, spatially distinct areas of the bulb were activated and the resulting bulbar potential observed.