Random Wiring, Ganglion Cell Mosaics, and the Functional Architecture of the Visual Cortex.

ABSTRACT: The architecture of iso-orientation domains in the primary visual cortex (V1) of placental carnivores and primates apparently follows species invariant quantitative laws. Dynamical optimization models assuming that neurons coordinate their stimulus preferences throughout cortical circuits linking millions of cells specifically predict these invariants. This might indicate that V1's intrinsic connectome and its functional architecture adhere to a single optimization principle with high precision and robustness. To validate this hypothesis, it is critical to closely examine the quantitative predictions of alternative candidate theories. Random feedforward wiring within the retino-cortical pathway represents a conceptually appealing alternative to dynamical circuit optimization because random

SUBMITTER: Schottdorf M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4648540 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature