Open AccessActivity patterns in human motion-sensitive areas depend on the interpretation of global motion
Author(s) -
Miguel CasteloBranco,
Elia Formisano,
Walter H. Backes,
Friedhelm E. Zanella,
Sergio Neuenschwander,
Wolf Singer,
Rainer Goebel
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.202049999
Subject(s) - motion (physics) , perception , motion perception , biological motion , computer vision , artificial intelligence , neuroscience , computer science , human motion , communication , biology , psychology
Numerous imaging studies have contributed to the localization of motion-sensitive areas in the human brain. It is, however, still unclear how these areas contribute to global motion perception. Here, we investigate with functional MRI whether the motion-sensitive area hMT+/V5 is involved in perceptual segmentation and integration of motion signals. Stimuli were overlapping moving gratings that can be perceived either as two independently moving, transparent surfaces or as a single surface moving in an intermediate direction. We examined whether motion-sensitive area hMT+/V5 is involved in mediating the switches between the two percepts. The data show differential activation of hMT+/V5 with perceptual switches, suggesting that these are associated with a reconfiguration of cell assemblies in this area.