What does the lateral olfactory stria specifically carry?

The lateral olfactory stria is specifically responsible for conveying olfactory information from the olfactory bulb to various regions of the brain, particularly the piriform cortex and the amygdala. This structure plays a crucial role in the processing of smells, allowing the brain to interpret and respond to different olfactory stimuli. The information carried by the lateral olfactory stria enables the body to recognize and differentiate various odors, contributing to the sensory experience of smell.

The other options represent different sensory pathways that are not associated with the lateral olfactory stria. For instance, visual signals are transmitted via the optic tract, while auditory signals travel through the auditory pathways, and somatosensory information is processed through the spinal cord and various brain areas responsible for tactile sensations. Hence, the involvement of the lateral olfactory stria in processing olfactory signals is what makes it distinct and essential for our sense of smell.