Activity patterns in human motion-sensitive areas depend on the interpretation of global motion

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2002 Oct 15;99(21):13914-9. doi: 10.1073/pnas.202049999. Epub 2002 Oct 4.

Abstract

Numerous imaging studies have contributed to the localization of motion-sensitive areas in the human brain. It is, however, still unclear how these areas contribute to global motion perception. Here, we investigate with functional MRI whether the motion-sensitive area hMT+/V5 is involved in perceptual segmentation and integration of motion signals. Stimuli were overlapping moving gratings that can be perceived either as two independently moving, transparent surfaces or as a single surface moving in an intermediate direction. We examined whether motion-sensitive area hMT+/V5 is involved in mediating the switches between the two percepts. The data show differential activation of hMT+/V5 with perceptual switches, suggesting that these are associated with a reconfiguration of cell assemblies in this area.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Brain / anatomy & histology
  • Brain / physiology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Motion Perception / physiology*
  • Pattern Recognition, Visual / physiology
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Time Factors