Multiple groups of neurons in the superior colliculus convert value signals into saccadic vigor.

ABSTRACT: Eye movements directed to high-valued objects in the environment are executed with greater vigor. Superior Colliculus (SC) - a subcortical structure that controls eye movements - contains multiple subtypes of neurons that have distinct functional roles in generating saccades. How does value-related information processed in other parts of the brain affect the responses of these different subtypes of SC neurons to facilitate faster saccades? To test this, we recorded four subtypes of neurons simultaneously while the monkey made saccades to objects they had been extensively trained to associate with large or small rewards (i.e., good or bad). In three subtypes of neurons (visual, visuomotor, and motor), the good objects elicited more spikes than bad objects. More importantly, using a bootstra

SUBMITTER: Gopal A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12262230 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature