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Two different streams form the dorsal visual system: anatomy and functions.
Giacomo Rizzolatti1, Massimo Matelli
1Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università di Parma, Via Volturno, 43100 Parma, Italy. giacomo.rizzolatti@unipr.it
Experimental Brain Research
|November 12, 2003
Summary
The dorsal visual stream is divided into two distinct systems: the dorso-dorsal (d-d) stream for online action control, and the ventro-dorsal (v-d) stream for action organization, space perception, and action understanding. Damage to the d-d stream causes optic ataxia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Visual Perception
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- The dorsal visual stream's function is debated, with views focusing on space perception versus action organization.
- Existing models do not fully account for anatomical and clinical data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a revised model of the dorsal visual stream based on new anatomical and clinical data.
- To differentiate the functional roles of two proposed sub-streams within the dorsal pathway.
Main Methods:
- Integration of novel anatomical findings with a re-evaluation of existing functional and clinical evidence.
- Comparative analysis of the proposed dorso-dorsal (d-d) and ventro-dorsal (v-d) streams.
Main Results:
- The dorsal stream comprises two distinct systems: the d-d stream (V6, V6A, MIP) primarily for online action control, associated with optic ataxia.
- The v-d stream (MT, inferior parietal lobule) is involved in action organization, space perception, and action understanding.
Conclusions:
- The dorsal visual stream is functionally segregated into the d-d and v-d streams.
- This segregation provides a more comprehensive explanation for visual processing related to action and perception.