Brain's Visual Cortex Also Processes Auditory Information

Author: University of Glasgow
Published: 2014/05/27 - Updated: 2021/07/11
Contents: Summary - Main - Related Publications

Synopsis: Scientists studying brain process involved in sight found the visual cortex also uses information gleaned from the ears as well as the eyes when viewing the world. The study, published in the journal Current Biology, involved conducting five different experiments using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to examine the activity in the early visual cortex in 10 volunteer subjects. Using a special algorithm that can identify unique patterns in brain activity, the researchers were able to discriminate between the different sounds being processed in early visual cortex activity.

Main Digest

The human brain's visual cortex is part of the cerebral cortex responsible for processing visual information. It is located in the occipital lobe, at the back of the brain. The visual cortex is made up of Brodmann area 17, (the primary visual cortex), Brodmann area 18 and Brodmann area 19, the extrastriate cortical areas.

Professor Lars Muckli, of the Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of Glasgow, who led the research, said:

"Sounds create visual imagery, mental images, and automatic projections. So, for example, if you are in a street and you hear the sound of an approaching motorbike, you expect to see a motorbike coming around the corner. If it turned out to be a horse, you'd be very surprised."

The study, published in the journal Current Biology, involved conducting five different experiments using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to examine the activity in the early visual cortex in 10 volunteer subjects.

In one experiment they asked the blindfolded volunteers to listen to three different natural sounds - birdsong, traffic noise and a talking crowd. Using a special algorithm that can identify unique patterns in brain activity, the researchers were able to discriminate between the different sounds being processed in early visual cortex activity.

A second experiment revealed even imagined images, in the absence of both sight and sound, evoked activity in the early visual cortex.

Lars Muckli said:

"This research enhances our basic understanding of how interconnected different regions of the brain are. The early visual cortex hasn't previously been known to process auditory information, and while there is some anatomical evidence of interconnectedness in monkeys, our study is the first to clearly show a relationship in humans."

"In future we will test how this auditory information supports visual processing, but the assumption is it provides predictions to help the visual system to focus on surprising events which would confer a survival advantage."

"This might provide insights into mental health conditions such as schizophrenia or autism and help us understand how sensory perceptions differ in these individuals."

The project was part of a five-year study funded by a 1.5m European Research Council consolidator grant entitled 'Brain reading of contextual feedback and predictions', and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. The researchers will explore more sounds to find out how precise predictive coding in the brain can be.

Research paper: 'Decoding sound and imagery content in early visual cortex' - Current Biology.

Attribution/Source(s):

This quality-reviewed publication pertaining to our The Human Brain section was selected for circulation by the editors of Disabled World due to its likely interest to our disability community readers. Though the content may have been edited for style, clarity, or length, the article "Brain's Visual Cortex Also Processes Auditory Information" was originally written by University of Glasgow, and submitted for publishing on 2014/05/27 (Edit Update: 2021/07/11). Should you require further information or clarification, University of Glasgow can be contacted at the glasgow.ac.uk website. Disabled World makes no warranties or representations in connection therewith.

📢 Discover Related Topics


👍 Share This Information To:
𝕏.com Facebook Reddit

Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer

Disabled World is an independent disability community founded in 2004 to provide disability news and information to people with disabilities, seniors, their family and/or carers. You can connect with us on social media such as X.com and our Facebook page.

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/health/neurology/brain/cortex.php">Brain's Visual Cortex Also Processes Auditory Information</a>

Cite This Page (APA): University of Glasgow. (2014, May 27). Brain's Visual Cortex Also Processes Auditory Information. Disabled World. Retrieved March 29, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/health/neurology/brain/cortex.php

Disabled World provides general information only. Materials presented are never meant to substitute for qualified professional medical care. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.