Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026
06:46
Investigating the Deployment of Visual Attention Before Accurate and Averaging Saccades via Eye Tracking and Assessment of Visual Sensitivity
Published on: March 18, 2019
Parietal cortical neuronal activity is selective for express saccades
1Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
Summary
Express saccades, rapid eye movements, are crucial for quick reactions. This study reveals the lateral intraparietal cortex (LIP) plays a direct role in generating these fast saccades, challenging previous theories.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Primate behavior
- Oculomotor control
Background:
- Saccadic eye movements are essential for visual attention in primates.
- Express saccades, characterized by short reaction times, are vital for speeded, goal-directed actions.
- The role of the posterior parietal cortex, specifically the lateral intraparietal cortex (LIP), in express saccade generation is under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the involvement of the nonhuman primate lateral intraparietal cortex (LIP) in the generation of express saccades using a gap saccade task.
- To explore the neural mechanisms underlying express saccade generation within the LIP.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a gap saccade task in nonhuman primates.
- Recorded neuronal activity in the lateral intraparietal cortex (LIP).
- Manipulated target certainty to observe effects on neuronal activity and saccade reaction times.
Main Results:
- Approximately 50% of recorded LIP neurons showed modulation during the gap interval.
- A subset of LIP neurons with persistent activity enhanced their firing rates during express saccades compared to regular saccades.
- Reduced target certainty led to sustained LIP activity during express saccades but decreased activity during regular saccades, correlating with increased reaction times.
Conclusions:
- The lateral intraparietal cortex (LIP) is directly involved in the generation of express saccades.
- Findings suggest LIP contributes to the rapid, stimulus-driven control of eye movements necessary for express saccades.
- This study provides evidence supporting the involvement of the posterior pathway in express saccade generation.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Association Areas of the Cortex
Association areas are regions of the cerebral cortex that do not have a specific sensory or motor function. Instead, they integrate and interpret information from various sources to enable higher cognitive processes such as memory, learning, and decision-making. Some key association areas include the following:
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,...
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,...
01:23Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex
The somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobes is crucial for interpreting sensory data such as touch, temperature, and proprioception. The somatosensory cortex, situated in the parietal lobes, plays a vital role in interpreting sensory information like touch, temperature, and proprioception—awareness of body position. This specialized brain region features an organized structure wherein neurons at the top primarily process sensations originating from the lower body. In contrast, those at the...