Localization of the Human Cortical Visual Area MT Based on Computer Aided Histological Analysis

• Published in: Cerebral cortex (New York, N.Y. 1991) Vol. 15; no. 7; pp. 1044 - 1053
• Main Authors: Annese, J., Gazzaniga, M.S., Toga, A.W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Oxford University Press 01-07-2005; Oxford Publishing Limited (England)
• Subjects: architectonics; Cell Shape; Histocytochemistry; histology; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Immunohistochemistry; motion perception; Motion Perception - physiology; Pyramidal Cells - cytology; Staining and Labeling; Temporal Lobe - cytology; Temporal Lobe - physiology; visual cortex; Visual Cortex - cytology; Visual Cortex - physiology; Visual Pathways
• ISSN: 1047-3211; 1460-2199
• DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhh205

We describe human area MT histologically based on the observer independent analysis of cortical myeloarchiteture, multiple complementary staining techniques and 3-D reconstruction. The topography of an architectonic field that presented constant structural characteristics across specimens was studied in relation to the sulcal geography of the occipito-temporal region. Objective and semi-automated analysis of local microstructure revealed a distinct cortical architecture and matched topographically the localization of MT derived from functional imaging. MT was localized by the histotopographic method in relation to definite macroscopic landmarks. This study demonstrates a new set of distinguishing architectonic features of human MT that permit localization on structural grounds and suggests that the characteristic laminar structure of this area may be related to its unique pattern of connections and to its role in visual perception.