how the brain processes visual information?
http://www.news-medical.net/?id=28173
http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/1996/visualprocessing.html
The brain processes visual information through a complex network of neurons and specialized regions. Here is a general explanation of how the process occurs:
1. Sensory input: The eyes capture visual information from the environment and send it as electrical signals to the brain via the optic nerves.
2. Visual reception: The electrical signals reach the primary visual cortex, located at the back of the brain. This area maps the visual field and begins the initial processing of the information.
3. Feature detection: Within the visual cortex, different cells are responsible for detecting specific features of the visual scene, such as edges, colors, shapes, and motion. These cells are known as feature detectors.
4. Integration: The detected features are then combined to form more complex visual representations. For example, simple features like edges and colors are combined to recognize objects or faces.
5. Object recognition: Specialized brain regions, such as the fusiform face area, parahippocampal place area, and lateral occipital complex, play crucial roles in recognizing faces, places, and objects, respectively. These regions analyze the visual information and match it with stored knowledge and memories.
6. Attention and perception: The brain's attention system helps in focusing on specific visual stimuli. By selectively attending to certain aspects of the visual scene, the brain enhances the perception of relevant details while filtering out irrelevant information.
7. Higher-level processing: Once visual information is processed at earlier stages, it is further processed and integrated with other cognitive processes in areas of the brain involved in memory, emotion, and decision-making. This allows us to interpret and make meaning out of visual stimuli.
It's important to note that this explanation presents a simplified view of the complex processes involved in visual perception. The brain's visual processing is a highly dynamic and multifaceted system that scientists continue to study and explore.