Neurodynamic approach to odor processing

A mathematical model is presented to describe odor information processing in the olfactory bulb. The olfactory system shows a remarkable periodic activity, and the concept of `learning of periodicity´ is suggested to be an important element of odor discrimination. It is suggested that a two-level neurodynamic approach considering both single neuron dynamics and synaptic modifiability seems to be a proper framework to explain rhythmic bulbar activity, transitions from different dynamic regimes, and discrimination and learning phenomena. Odor learning is strongly associated with some characteristics of mitral cell activity oscillations