Three-dimensional shape representation in monkey cortex

Neuron. 2002 Feb 14;33(4):635-52. doi: 10.1016/s0896-6273(02)00598-6.

Abstract

Using fMRI in anesthetized monkeys, this study investigates how the primate visual system constructs representations of three-dimensional (3D) shape from a variety of cues. Computer-generated 3D objects defined by shading, random dots, texture elements, or silhouettes were presented either statically or dynamically (rotating). Results suggest that 3D shape representations are highly localized, although widely distributed, in occipital, temporal, parietal, and frontal cortices and may involve common brain regions regardless of shape cue. This distributed network of areas cuts across both "what" and "where" processing streams, reflecting multiple uses for 3D shape representation in perception, recognition, and action.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain Mapping*
  • Cerebral Cortex / anatomy & histology
  • Cerebral Cortex / physiology
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Macaca mulatta / anatomy & histology
  • Macaca mulatta / physiology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Motion Perception / physiology
  • Nerve Net / physiology*
  • Pattern Recognition, Visual / physiology*
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Space Perception / physiology*
  • Visual Cortex / anatomy & histology
  • Visual Cortex / physiology*