Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 23, 2026

Topographical Estimation of Visual Population Receptive Fields by fMRI
Published on: February 3, 2015
Analysis of a correlation-based model for the development of orientation-selective receptive fields in the visual
S Wimbauer1, W Gerstner, J L van Hemmen
1Physik Department, Technische Universität München, Garching bei München, Germany.
Abstract:
We analyse a model for the development of orientation-selective receptive fields of simple cells in a locally connected network of cortical neurons. The Hebbian learning rule that underlies the development is described by a linear differential equation. The structure of the emerging cortical map can be predicted by deriving the eigenfunctions corresponding to the leading eigenvalues of the associated matrix. We show that the receptive fields have the typical form of a wavelet. Mathematically, receptive fields are given by a Hermitian polynomial with Gaussian cut-off and a phase factor. Both the phase of the wavelet and the orientation are changing periodically along the surface of the cortical map as suggested by previous simulation studies and as also found in experiments. In order to get orientation-selective receptive fields, the spatial correlation function of the inputs that drive the development must have a zero crossing.
Related Concept Videos
Vision
Anatomy of the Eyeball
Association Areas of the Cortex
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Color Vision
Motor and Sensory Areas of the Cortex
Motor Areas
The motor areas located in the frontal lobe are central to controlling voluntary movements. This region is further subdivided into the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex.
Visual System
Once through the pupil, the light passes through the lens, a...

