Pheromones are processed via the vomeronasal organ and connected to which brain region?

• A. Primary olfactory cortex
• B. Hippocampus
• C. Amygdala
• D. Accessory olfactory bulb

Answer: (D)

Pheromone signaling uses the vomeronasal system, where the vomeronasal organ detects pheromones and sends the signals to the accessory olfactory bulb. This is the first relay in that pathway, making it the direct brain region linked to pheromone processing. From there, information moves to areas like the amygdala and hypothalamus, which helps drive instinctive social and reproductive behaviors. The primary olfactory cortex handles general odors from the main olfactory system, not pheromones; the hippocampus is more about memory; the amygdala is involved downstream in emotion and behavior but is not the initial relay.