Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 26, 2026

Cross-Modal Multivariate Pattern Analysis
Published on: November 9, 2011
Human cortical processing of colour and pattern
N A Barrett1, M M Large, G L Smith
1Department of Physiology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Abstract:
The present study investigates human visual processing of simple two-colour patterns using a delayed match to sample paradigm with positron emission tomography (PET). This study is unique in that we specifically designed the visual stimuli to be the same for both pattern and colour recognition with all patterns being abstract shapes not easily verbally coded composed of two-colour combinations. We did this to explore those brain regions required for both colour and pattern processing and to separate those areas of activation required for one or the other. We found that both tasks activated similar occipital regions, the major difference being more extensive activation in pattern recognition. A right-sided network that involved the inferior parietal lobule, the head of the caudate nucleus, and the pulvinar nucleus of the thalamus was common to both paradigms. Pattern recognition also activated the left temporal pole and right lateral orbital gyrus, whereas colour recognition activated the left fusiform gyrus and several right frontal regions.
Related Concept Videos
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.
Anatomy of the Eyeball
Visual System
Once through the pupil, the light passes through the lens, a...
Color Vision
Parallel Processing

