Fig. 1
From: The role of the odorant receptors in the formation of the sensory map
Continuous and discrete sensory maps. Top. Schematic diagram of a continuous sensory map in the visual system. The spatial distribution of sensory information in the input area is maintained in the target area. In this organizational plan nearby neurons in the input area form synapses with nearby neurons in the target area. T = temporal, N = nasal, A = anterior, P = posterior. Bottom. Schema of a discrete map in the olfactory system. The topographic organization of the target area reflects the type and not the spatial distribution of sensory inputs. Olfactory sensory neurons expressing the same odorant receptor (indicated by drop shapes with the same color, bottom left) converge to form glomeruli (color filled circles) in specific locations of the target area (bottom right)