Temporal dynamics of odor representations
Calcium imaging also reveals that spatial patterns of input to glomeruli change with time. This image shows pseudocolor maps of the calcium signals evoked by benzaldehyde in a dye-loaded animal, taken at three different times after odorant onset. Caudal-lateral glomeruli are activated first, followed by medial and anterior glomeruli. Thus, patterns of glomerular input can change dramatically during the first 1 - 2 seconds of odorant stimulation.