Modality-independent coding of spatial layout in the human brain.

ABSTRACT: In many nonhuman species, neural computations of navigational information such as position and orientation are not tied to a specific sensory modality [1, 2]. Rather, spatial signals are integrated from multiple input sources, likely leading to abstract representations of space. In contrast, the potential for abstract spatial representations in humans is not known, because most neuroscientific experiments on human navigation have focused exclusively on visual cues. Here, we tested the modality independence hypothesis with two functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiments that characterized computations in regions implicated in processing spatial layout [3]. According to the hypothesis, such regions should be recruited for spatial computation of 3D geometric configuration, indepe

SUBMITTER: Wolbers T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3119034 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature