What are we missing here? Brain imaging evidence for higher cognitive functions in primary visual cortex V1

Muckli, L. (2010) What are we missing here? Brain imaging evidence for higher cognitive functions in primary visual cortex V1. International Journal of Imaging Systems and Technology, 20(2), pp. 131-139. (doi: 10.1002/ima.20236)

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Abstract

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and neuron electrophysiology (neurophysiology) are two well-established ways to measure brain activity. Even though the spatial and temporal resolution of these techniques is very different, both measurements show a high level of consistency, i.e., for mapping feature preferences of cortical areas. There are, however, other striking differences between fMRI and neurophysiology, for example, fMRI has good accessibility to higher cognitive functions, a bias to measure synaptic activity, and a good sensitivity to detect feedback-related activity, all of which can shed a new light on the function of well-known brain areas like primary visual cortex, V1. Classically, it is believed that V1 cells are exhaustively characterized by their complex receptive field properties. Contrary to this view, however, fMRI shows that response properties in area V1 are spatially unstable, influenced by contextual information, and depend on internal states. This review will highlight some of the most striking new fMRI findings that show V1 is involved in higher cognitive functions.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Muckli, Professor Lars
Authors: Muckli, L.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
College of Science and Engineering > School of Psychology
Journal Name:International Journal of Imaging Systems and Technology
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:0899-9457
ISSN (Online):1098-1098
Published Online:18 May 2010

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