Forebrain specialization and the olfactory system in anseriform birds. An architectonic and tracing study

Abstract

In anseriform birds the mediodorsal part of the rostral forebrain is covered by a corticoid (= layered) structure, establishing a unique feature of this avian group since in other birds the non-cortical accessory or dorsal hyperstriatum occupies the corresponding surface area of the hemisphere. The efferents of the olfactory bulb are shown to reach this region, which thus can be identified as a heavily enlarged retrobulbar area. The large expansion of this olfactory representation may indicate an important biological function. In comparison to the mammalian olfactory system the three stratified olfactory projection centers of birds should be regarded as retrobulbar, prepiriform and periamygdalar regions.