Macaque Medial Parietal Cortex Neurons and Gaze Positions
Author Information
Author(s): Hadjidimitrakis Kostas, Breveglieri Rossella, Placenti Giacomo, Bosco Annalisa, Sabatini Silvio P., Fattori Patrizia
Primary Institution: Department of Human and General Physiology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Hypothesis
Cells in V6A would show stronger responses for targets presented in the reachable space.
Conclusion
Neurons in the medial PPC area V6A are more activated by gaze positions in the near, peripersonal space.
Supporting Evidence
- A significant proportion of neurons were modulated by both gaze direction and depth.
- The population activity of these neurons displayed a strong preference for peripersonal space.
- 77% of cells had a statistically significant amount of modulation in the perisaccadic epoch.
- 60-75% of V6A neurons preferred the near, peripersonal space.
- 15-35% of V6A neurons exhibited excitation during eye movements in the extrapersonal space.
Takeaway
The study found that certain brain cells in monkeys are more active when they look at things that are close enough to reach.
Methodology
Single neuron recordings were performed in behaving macaques while they fixated on targets in 3D space.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in the selection of neuron types and the specific experimental setup may affect generalizability.
Limitations
The study was limited to a specific range of fixation distances and did not explore all potential variables affecting neuron activity.
Participant Demographics
Two male Macaca fascicularis monkeys were studied.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website