Telencephalic and pretectal modulation of the directional selectivity of accessory optic neurons in the pigeon

Braz J Med Biol Res. 1988;21(3):649-52.

Abstract

Direction-selective units within the accessory optic system of the pigeon were shown to respond more strongly to motion along two main directions, downward-nasal and upward-temporal. Following ipsilateral telencephalic or pretectal lesions, these directions were modified in a systematic way. In the former, the principal response directions were downward-nasal and temporal and in the latter, downward-temporal and upward-temporal. These data indicate that the non-retinal afferents play an important role in the functional organization of the accessory optic system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Columbidae / physiology*
  • Female
  • Male
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Stereotaxic Techniques
  • Tectum Mesencephali / physiology*
  • Telencephalon / physiology*
  • Visual Pathways / physiology*