Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026

Investigating Object Representations in the Macaque Dorsal Visual Stream Using Single-unit Recordings
Published on: August 1, 2018
Specialization and integration of brain responses to object recognition and location detection
Mark R Pennick1, Rajesh K Kana
1Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Alabama.
Abstract:
Visual information is processed in the brain primarily through two distinct pathways, the dorsal and the ventral visual streams. The present functional magnetic resonance imaging study investigated the specialization and integration of dorsal and ventral streams using tasks of object recognition and location detection. The study included 22 healthy adult volunteers who viewed stimuli consisting of grayscale photographs of common household objects presented in blocked design. Participants were asked to either recognize an object or to locate its position. While the location detection task elicited greater activation in the dorsal visual stream, recognizing objects showed greater activation in the middle occipital gyri, left inferior temporal gyrus, and in the left inferior frontal gyrus. The integration between dorsal and ventral brain areas was stronger during location detection than during object recognition. In addition, a principal components analysis found preliminary evidence for a group of regions, such as frontal and parietal cortex, working together in this task. Overall, the results of this study indicate the existence of specialized modules for object recognition and location detection, and possible interactions between areas beyond the visual cortex that may play a role in such tasks.
Related Concept Videos
Parallel Processing
Association Areas of the Cortex
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex
Visual System
Once through the pupil, the light passes through the lens, a...
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.
Organization of the Brain
Hindbrain
The hindbrain, located at the base of the brain, plays a vital role in regulating automatic processes that sustain life. It includes the medulla oblongata, which is essential for...

