Inferotemporal units in selective visual attention and short-term memory.

摘要: 1. This research was designed to further clarify how, in the primate, neurons of inferotemporal (IT) cortex support cognitive functions visually guided behavior. Specifically, aim determine role those 1) selective attention behaviorally relevant features visual environment and 2) retention temporary memory. Monkeys were trained a memory task which they had discriminate retain individual compound stimuli, each stimulus consisting colored disk with gray symbol middle. A trial began brief presentation one such stimulus, sample for trial. Depending on it, monkey memorize itself or background color; after 10-20 s delay (retention period), two stimuli appeared, animal choose color sample. Thus test required symbol, some trials also color, short-term distinctive feature trial, either color. Single-unit activity recorded from IT convexity, lower upper banks superior temporal sulcus (STS), striate (V1). Firing frequency analyzed during intertrial periods entirety every except (match) choice period. 2. In cortex, as V1, many units responded stimulus. Some indiscriminately all samples, whereas others selectively their features, i.e., Fifteen percent 21% selective. These appeared capable extracting complex stimuli. cells (color-attentive units) significantly more preferred when it (i.e., be retained) than not. 3. The latency IT-unit response was, average, relatively short unselective (mean 159 ms), longer 203 longest color-attentive 270 ms). order latencies corresponds presumed participation three types component by task. It suggests intervening steps serial processing before information reached cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)