Large-scale mirror-symmetry organization of human occipito-temporal object areas

Neuron. 2003 Mar 27;37(6):1027-41. doi: 10.1016/s0896-6273(03)00144-2.

Abstract

We have combined functional maps of retinotopy (eccentricity and meridian mapping), object category, and motion in a group of subjects to explore the large-scale topography of higher-order object areas. Our results reveal seven consistent category-related entities situated in the occipito-temporal cortex adjoining early visual areas. These include two face-related regions, three object-related regions, and two building-related regions. Interestingly, this complex category-related pattern is organized in a large-scale dorso-ventral mirror symmetry of object category. Furthermore, correlating this pattern to the map of visual field eccentricity, we found that the entire network of areas could be related to a single and unified eccentricity map. We hypothesize that this large-scale organization points to a possible development of high-order object areas through extension and specialization of a single proto-representation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Brain Mapping
  • Functional Laterality
  • Humans
  • Motion
  • Occipital Lobe / anatomy & histology*
  • Occipital Lobe / physiology*
  • Pattern Recognition, Visual
  • Temporal Lobe / anatomy & histology*
  • Temporal Lobe / physiology*
  • Visual Cortex / anatomy & histology
  • Visual Cortex / physiology
  • Visual Fields / physiology
  • Visual Perception*