Visual Processing in the Ventral Pathway: Shape, Face, Color, Material Properties, and Stereoscopic Depth

Abstract

The ventral visual pathway projecting from the primary visual cortex to the visual temporal association cortex processes shape, color, and material properties of objects as well as face and facial expression, and stereoscopic depth. The last decade has witnessed great advances in our understanding of how information is transformed at each transition between the stages along this pathway. Accumulating evidence also indicates that neurons in the later part of the pathway (e.g., area V4 and inferior temporal cortex) are causally involved in generating perception of shape, color, face, and fine stereoscopic depth.