Optic flow in human vision: MEG reveals a foveo-fugal bias in V1, specialization for spiral space in hMSTs, and global motion sensitivity in the IPS

Abstract

Abstract We recorded MEG responses from 17 participants viewing random-dot patterns simulating global optic flow components (expansion, contraction, rotation, deformation, and translation) and a random motion control condition. Theta-band (3–7 Hz), MEG signal power was greater for expansion than the other optic flow components in a region concentrated along the calcarine sulcus, indicating an ecologically valid, foveo-fugal bias for unidirectional motion sensors in V1. When the responses to the optic flow components were combined, a decrease in MEG beta-band (17–23 Hz) power was found in regions extending beyond the calcarine sulcus to the posterior parietal lobe (inferior to IPS), indicating the importance of structured motion in this region. However, only one cortical area, within or near the V5/hMT+ complex, responded to all three spiral-space components (expansion, contraction, and rotation) and showed no selectivity for global translation or deformation: we term this area hMSTs. This is the first demonstration of an exclusive region for spiral space in the human brain and suggests a functional role better suited to preliminary analysis of ego-motion than surface pose, which would involve deformation. We also observed that the rotation condition activated the cerebellum, suggesting its involvement in visually mediated control of postural adjustment.

Publication DOI: https://doi.org/10.1167/8.10.17
Divisions: College of Health & Life Sciences > School of Psychology
College of Health & Life Sciences > Clinical and Systems Neuroscience
College of Health & Life Sciences > Aston Institute of Health & Neurodevelopment (AIHN)
College of Health & Life Sciences
College of Health & Life Sciences > School of Optometry > Optometry
College of Health & Life Sciences > School of Optometry > Centre for Vision and Hearing Research
Aston University (General)
Additional Information: Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives License
Uncontrolled Keywords: human vision,complex motion,V5,MT,MST,intraparietal sulcus,radial motion,optic flow,MEG,hMSTs,Ophthalmology,Sensory Systems
Publication ISSN: 1534-7362
Last Modified: 25 Nov 2024 08:05
Date Deposited: 25 May 2010 13:16
Full Text Link:
Related URLs: http://www.scop ... tnerID=8YFLogxK (Scopus URL)
http://www.jour ... nt/8/10/17.full (Publisher URL)
PURE Output Type: Article
Published Date: 2008-11-30
Authors: Holliday, Ian E.
Meese, Timothy S. (ORCID Profile 0000-0003-3744-4679)

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