Olfactory nerve (pathway) (English)

Midsagittal section of the cerebrum and roof of the nasal cavity showing the olfactory structures. The olfactory nerve (CN I) arises from multiple olfactory sensory neurons in the olfactory mucosa whose central processes (axons) combine to form olfactory fiber bundles. These fiber bundles pass through foramina in the cribriform plate (of ethmoid bone), terminating in the olfactory bulb. The olfactory bulb extends caudally/posteriorly as the olfactory tract. This divides at the olfactory trigone into the medial/lateral olfactory striae which form the borders of the anterior perforated substance, and carry sensory information to regions of the olfactory cortex.