Principles of areal interactions in primate visual cortex

Objective

We take a synthetic approach to the interareal processing of information in monkey visual cortex and combine quantitative anatomy with multielectrode recording, computational analysis and neuroinformatics. We shall make quantitative measurements of a real patterns of connectivity that will lead to a better constrained computational analysis of the organization of cortical areas. We shall identify the target structures and neuronal types of inter-areal axons originating from single cortical layers. This will enable us to characterise at a synaptic level the principles of connections between areas at different levels and so provide a new basis for interpreting the likely role of intracortical connections. We shall study the neurophysiology of cortical neurons in relationship to the cortical architecture revealed by the anatomical studies. In striate and extrastriate areas we shall compare neuron responses to natural and artificial stimuli both during fixation and free viewing. We shall study the role of feedback projections in response to natural stimuli. This approach will enable us to compare the traditional model of vision-as-analysis with a vision-as-interference model.

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-9. - Neurosciences

Funding Scheme

Coordinator

Participants (2)