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Source localization of early stages of face processing
Martin J Herrmann1, Ann-Christine Ehlis, Andreas Muehlberger
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, Fuechsleinstrasse 15, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany. Martin.Herrmann@mail.uni-wuerzburg.de
Brain Topography
|December 13, 2005
Summary
Face recognition begins earlier than previously thought, around 100 ms. The fusiform gyrus is crucial for both early (P100) and later (N170) face processing stages.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neuroimaging
- Visual Perception
Background:
- Event-related potentials (ERPs) suggest face recognition starts around 100 ms.
- Neural sources of the P100 component in face processing remain uninvestigated.
- The N170 component is linked to the fusiform gyrus and occipital cortex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural sources of both P100 and N170 components during face processing.
- To determine the timing and location of early face recognition stages.
- To compare brain activity for faces versus control stimuli.
Main Methods:
- Measured ERPs in 72 subjects using faces and control stimuli.
- Employed LORETA source localization to identify neural generators.
- Analyzed P100 and N170 component amplitudes and their brain activity.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher P100 and N170 amplitudes were observed for faces.
- LORETA revealed increased activity in the left and right fusiform gyrus for both P100 and N170.
- N170 also showed activation in a parieto-temporal-occipital network.
Conclusions:
- Early face processing (around 100 ms) is localized in the fusiform gyrus.
- The fusiform gyrus is involved in both early (P100) and later (N170) face recognition.
- Face recognition involves the fusiform gyrus and a broader network including the occipital cortex.