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Sensorimotor-independent development of hands and tools selectivity in the visual cortex
Ella Striem-Amit1, Gilles Vannuscorps2,3, Alfonso Caramazza2,3
1Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138; striemamit@fas.harvard.edu.
Summary
The visual occipito-temporal cortex organization is largely innate, not requiring specific motor experience. This brain region
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neurobiology
Background:
- The visual occipito-temporal cortex has distinct regions for object identification (e.g., tools, bodies).
- Its organization may reflect visual input and behavioral use, like overlapping responses for hands and tools due to shared action roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the dependency of occipito-temporal cortex organization on object manipulation and motor experience.
- Investigate if functional specialization in this cortex requires sensorimotor experience.
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to study five individuals with upper limb dysplasia who use tools with their feet.
- Compared brain activity and functional connectivity in these individuals with typically developed controls.
Main Results:
- The typical hand-tool overlap (HTO) response was observed in four of five individuals with upper limb dysplasia.
- Functional connectivity patterns in the HTO region were largely similar between dysplasic and control participants.
Conclusions:
- Occipito-temporal cortex specialization appears primarily driven by inherent connectivity, independent of specific sensorimotor experience.
- Findings support an organization of the visual cortex that is largely independent of unique sensory or motor experiences, similar to studies in people born blind.