Final answer:
The olfactory tracts are found underneath the frontal lobe of the cerebrum, connecting from the olfactory bulb to several brain regions, including the primary olfactory cortex, limbic system, and hypothalamus, without passing through the thalamus.
Step-by-step explanation:
The olfactory tracts are located underneath the frontal lobe of the cerebrum. They extend as a group of axons from the olfactory bulb, situated on the ventral surface of the frontal lobe, and connect to the brain. The olfactory bulb is the central target of the first cranial nerve, receiving signals from the olfactory epithelium located in the upper nasal cavity. The olfactory signals are relayed to the primary olfactory cortex in the inferior and medial areas of the temporal lobe and to other regions such as the limbic system and the hypothalamus, which are involved in memory and emotional responses. Unlike other sensory modalities, the olfactory tract bypasses the thalamus and sends signals directly to the cerebral cortex, making the sense of smell a potent trigger for memories and emotions.