Disparity- and velocity-based signals for three-dimensional motion perception in human MT+

Nat Neurosci. 2009 Aug;12(8):1050-5. doi: 10.1038/nn.2343. Epub 2009 Jul 5.

Abstract

How does the primate visual system encode three-dimensional motion? The macaque middle temporal area (MT) and the human MT complex (MT+) have well-established sensitivity to two-dimensional frontoparallel motion and static disparity. However, evidence for sensitivity to three-dimensional motion has remained elusive. We found that human MT+ encodes two binocular cues to three-dimensional motion: changing disparities over time and interocular comparisons of retinal velocities. By varying important properties of moving dot displays, we distinguished these three-dimensional motion signals from their constituents, instantaneous binocular disparity and monocular retinal motion. An adaptation experiment confirmed direction selectivity for three-dimensional motion. Our results indicate that MT+ carries critical binocular signals for three-dimensional motion processing, revealing an important and previously overlooked role for this well-studied brain area.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Mapping
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation / physiology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Motion Perception / physiology*
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Orientation / physiology*
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Retina / physiology
  • Space Perception / physiology
  • Temporal Lobe / anatomy & histology
  • Temporal Lobe / physiology*
  • Vision, Binocular / physiology*
  • Visual Cortex / anatomy & histology
  • Visual Cortex / physiology*
  • Visual Fields / physiology
  • Visual Pathways / physiology