The active construction of the visual world.

Area of Science:

• Neurobiology
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Sensory Perception

Background:

• Visual perception is often studied passively, neglecting the active role of eye movements.
• Understanding how the brain constructs visual scenes requires examining how we actively sample information.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the neurobiology of visual perception, emphasizing the control of saccadic eye movements.
• To explore the functional architecture of neuronal networks involved in visual scene interrogation.
• To discuss general theoretical considerations and links to spatial hemineglect.

Main Methods:

• Review of neurobiological literature focusing on the control of saccadic eye movements.
• Anatomical tracing of visual pathways from eye movement control.
• Comparative analysis with other sensory modalities like somatosensation.

Main Results:

• Active sampling via saccadic eye movements is crucial for visual perception.
• Neuronal networks supporting visual scene analysis are shaped by active exploration.
• Principles of active sampling apply to other sensory systems, such as somatosensation.

Conclusions:

• The neurobiology of visual perception is intrinsically linked to the control of eye movements.
• Active vision and scene construction involve complex neuronal architectures.
• Understanding active perception may offer insights into disorders like spatial hemineglect.