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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 12, 2025

Investigating Object Representations in the Macaque Dorsal Visual Stream Using Single-unit Recordings
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Short-latency preference for faces in the primate superior colliculus.

Gongchen Yu1, Leor N Katz1, Christian Quaia1

  • 1Laboratory of Sensorimotor Research, National Eye Institute; Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA.

Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|October 27, 2023
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Summary

Primates possess rapid face detection abilities in their midbrain superior colliculus (SC). This early visual processing occurs within 50ms, preceding higher-order cortical areas.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Primate Vision
  • Visual Processing

Background:

  • Face processing is crucial for primates and primarily studied in higher visual cortex.
  • The exact neural pathways and timing for initial face detection remain incompletely understood.

Approach:

  • Investigated neuronal responses in the midbrain superior colliculus (SC) of primates.
  • Measured the latency and accuracy of SC neuron responses to visual stimuli, including faces.
  • Utilized inactivation of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) to probe the role of early visual pathways.

Key Points:

  • Neurons in the primate superior colliculus (SC) show a preference for faces.
  • This face preference emerges rapidly, within 50 milliseconds of stimulus onset.
  • SC activity can distinguish faces from other objects with approximately 80% accuracy.
  • Early visual cortex input, relayed via the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), is essential for this SC face-related activity.

Conclusions:

  • The superior colliculus (SC) plays an unexpected role in rapid, peripheral face detection in primates.
  • This midbrain circuit complements higher-order visual areas for detailed face recognition.
  • Identifies a novel, short-latency pathway for face detection in the primate visual system.