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Published on: August 1, 2018
Hand placement near the visual stimulus improves orientation selectivity in V2 neurons
Carolyn J Perry1, Lauren E Sergio2, J Douglas Crawford3
1Visual Perception and Attention Laboratory, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Centre for Vision Research, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; carolynperry08@gmail.com.
The brain automatically directs spatial attention to near-hand space, enhancing visual processing. This effector-based attention sharpens orientation selectivity in V2, optimizing vision for hand motor control.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Visual Perception
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- The brain filters vast sensory input using spatial attention.
- Attention is typically linked to gaze (oculomotor system).
- Emerging evidence suggests attention is also deployed to near-hand space.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide the first neuronal evidence for attention deployment to near-hand space.
- To investigate how a nearby hand influences visual processing in area V2.
- To compare effector-based (hand) and oculomotor attention mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Neuronal recordings in early visual area V2.
- Presentation of visual stimuli with and without a nearby hand.
- Analysis of neuronal responses, orientation selectivity, and response variability.
Main Results:
- A nearby hand significantly enhanced responses to preferred orientations in V2.
- Orientation tuning was significantly sharpened by the presence of the hand.
- Neuronal response variability was reduced when the hand was nearby.
Conclusions:
- Attention is automatically deployed to the space surrounding a hand.
- This enhances visual orientation selectivity, optimizing vision for motor control.
- Effector-based attention mechanisms differ from oculomotor ones, supporting distinct motor requirements.
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