The improbable simplicity of the fusiform face area

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Neuroimaging

Background:

• The fusiform face area (FFA) is traditionally viewed as a distinct module for face processing.
• Emerging evidence suggests a more complex organization of face-selective regions within the ventral temporal cortex (VTC).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the complexity of face-selective regions in the VTC beyond the prevailing view of the FFA as a simple module.
• To identify methodological factors contributing to variability in FFA identification.
• To propose criteria for defining functionally specialized regions, emphasizing anatomical relevance.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing neuroimaging studies on face processing.
• Analysis of methodological variations in defining the FFA.
• Comparative analysis of functional and anatomical data.

Main Results:

• The organization of face-selective regions in the VTC is more intricate than the simple modular view of the FFA.
• Significant variability exists in how the FFA is identified across studies, often linked to methodological differences.
• Anatomical landmarks play a crucial role in the consistent identification of functionally specialized regions.

Conclusions:

• The prevailing view of the FFA as a simple, easily identifiable module is an oversimplification.
• Methodological inconsistencies contribute significantly to the observed variability in FFA localization.
• A framework incorporating anatomical constraints is essential for robustly defining functionally specialized regions in the VTC.