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Related Experiment Videos

Face-sensitive regions in human extrastriate cortex studied by functional MRI

A Puce1, T Allison, J C Gore

  • 1Neuropsychology Laboratory, Veterans Administration Medical Center, West Haven 06516, USA.

Journal of Neurophysiology
|September 1, 1995
PubMed
Summary

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) identified face-selective brain regions in the fusiform and inferior temporal gyri. This study found no significant difference in the extent of face-sensitive cortex between the left and right hemispheres.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Neuroimaging

Background:

  • Previous electrophysiological studies identified face-selective areas in the mid-fusiform and inferior temporal gyri.
  • Face perception is a critical cognitive function.
  • Understanding the neural basis of face recognition is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the anatomical extent of face-sensitive brain regions using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
  • To assess the hemispheric laterality of face-sensitive cortex.
  • To compare fMRI findings with previous electrophysiological data.

Main Methods:

  • Acquisition of 128 gradient echo echoplanar images during continuous viewing of alternating faces and scrambled faces.
  • Fourier analysis of voxel time series to identify significant power spectra peaks at the stimulus alternation frequency.

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  • Definition of activated voxels based on power spectra and a 180-degree phase shift corresponding to stimulus alternation.

    • Main Results:

    • Face stimuli activated the fusiform and inferior temporal gyri in 9 out of 12 subjects, consistent with prior electrophysiological findings.
    • Additional activations were observed in the middle occipital gyri, superior temporal, and lateral occipital sulci in some subjects.
    • No significant difference was found in the cortical volumes activated between the left and right hemispheres.
    • Scrambled faces activated medial regions, including the lingual gyri and collateral sulci.

    Conclusions:

    • fMRI confirms the location and extent of face-selective regions in the mid-fusiform and inferior temporal gyri.
    • The study suggests bilateral, non-lateralized representation of face-sensitive cortex.
    • fMRI provides a valuable non-invasive method for mapping face processing areas in the brain.