Blindsight relies on a functional connection between hMT+ and the lateral geniculate nucleus, not the pulvinar.

ABSTRACT: When the primary visual cortex (V1) is damaged, the principal visual pathway is lost, causing a loss of vision in the opposite visual field. While conscious vision is impaired, patients can still respond to certain images; this is known as 'blindsight'. Recently, a direct anatomical connection between the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) and human motion area hMT+ has been implicated in blindsight. However, a functional connection between these structures has not been demonstrated. We quantified functional MRI responses to motion in 14 patients with unilateral V1 damage (with and without blindsight). Patients with blindsight showed significant activity and a preserved sensitivity to speed in motion area hMT+, which was absent in patients without blindsight. We then compared functional conn

SUBMITTER: Ajina S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6078309 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature