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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 14, 2026

Visualization of Cortical Modules in Flattened Mammalian Cortices

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Published on: January 22, 2018

Layered structure of cortex explains reversal dynamics in bistable perception.

Kris Stefan Evers^1,2, Judith Carolien Peters^3,4, Rainer Goebel^3,4,5

¹Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 EV, Maastricht, The Netherlands. krisevers14@gmail.com.

Scientific Reports

|October 22, 2025

Summary

Bistable perception, the brain

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Computational Neuroscience
Perception

Background:

Bistable perception involves alternating interpretations of a single stimulus.
Previous models based on winnerless dynamics fail to explain increased alternation rates with higher stimulus drive.
Existing algorithmic explanations lack clear biological substrates in the cortex.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of cortical laminar architecture in bistable perception.
To reconcile winnerless dynamics with increased alternation rates under higher stimulus drive.
To identify potential biological mechanisms within the cortical microcircuit.

Main Methods:

Developed a dynamic mean field model of a laminar columnar cortical circuit.
Incorporated empirically derived interlaminar connectivity.
Coupled two circuits to simulate competitive winnerless dynamics.

Main Results:

The model successfully reproduced winnerless dynamics characteristic of bistable perception.
Two layer-dependent mechanisms emerged, increasing alternation rate with stimulus drive.
Deep layer inhibition of upper layers and superficial/granular recurrent connections were identified as key factors.

Conclusions:

Cortical laminar architecture plays a functional role in bistable perception.
Interlaminar connectivity and layer-specific activation influence perceptual dynamics.
Neuroanatomical properties provide a substrate for perceptual phenomena.