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Updated: May 29, 2026
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Investigating Object Representations in the Macaque Dorsal Visual Stream Using Single-unit Recordings
Published on: August 1, 2018
Scene-selective cortical regions in human and nonhuman primates
Shahin Nasr1, Ning Liu, Kathryn J Devaney
1Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA. shahin@nmr.mgh.harvard.edu
Summary
Researchers identified homologous scene-selective visual cortex regions in macaque monkeys and humans. These brain areas are crucial for scene perception, navigation, and contextual association, suggesting a shared neural architecture.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Comparative Psychology
- Visual Neuroscience
Background:
- Scene-selective regions in human visual cortex (parahippocampal place area, transverse occipital sulcus, retrosplenial cortex) are vital for navigation and scene recognition.
- Previous research established homologous face-selective regions in humans and nonhuman primates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize presumptive homologous scene-selective regions in the awake macaque monkey visual cortex.
- To compare the location and organization of these scene-selective regions with those in human visual cortex.
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used in both humans and macaques.
- Identical visual stimuli and largely overlapping fMRI procedures were employed for direct comparison.
- Results were analyzed in relation to known retinotopic maps.
Main Results:
- Three scene-selective regions were identified in macaque visual cortex, corresponding to human parahippocampal place area (PPA), transverse occipital sulcus (TOS), and retrosplenial cortex (RSC).
- These monkey regions were found adjacent to homologous face-selective areas and within or near known retinotopic areas, mirroring human organization.
- Human scene-selective regions were located near, but distinct from, their named gyri/sulci and adjacent to retinotopic areas.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest a homologous neural architecture for scene-selective visual cortex regions in humans and nonhuman primates.
- This homology extends the understanding of shared neural mechanisms for complex visual processing across species.
- The study provides a foundation for further investigation into the functional similarities and differences in scene processing.
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