Illusory contours and cortical neuron responses
Abstract
Figures in which human observers perceive "illusory contours" were found to evoke responses in cells of area 18 in the visual cortex of alert monkeys. The cells responded as if the contours were formed by real lines or edges. Modifications that weakened the perception of contours also reduced the neuronal responses. In contrast, cells in area 17 were apparently unable to "see" these contours.
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Neurons in lower level visual cortex are activated at the location of illusory contours.
“It has been shown that neurons in lower level visual cortex are activated at the location of illusory contours (von der Heydt et al., 1984).”
From Is predictive coding theory articulated enough to be testable? (2015) · cites this paper as von der Heydt et al., 1984
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“It has been shown that neurons in lower level visual cortex are activated at the location of illusory contours (von der Heydt et al., 1984).”
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- Authors
- von der Heydt, R., Peterhans, E., & Baumgartner, G.
- Affiliations
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- University Hospital Zurich (CH)
- ORCID
- Baumgartner, G.
- Venue
- Science
- Published
- 1984-06-15
- Volume
- 224
- Issue
- 4654
- Pages
- 1260-1262
- ISSN
- 0036-8075 (ISSN-L)
- 1095-9203
- OpenAlex
- W1993236244
- Cited by
- 1,060
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2026: 7 · 2025: 13 · 2024: 15 · 2023: 15 · 2022: 16 · 2021: 18 · 2020: 14 · 2019: 18 · 2018: 22 · 2017: 23 · 2016: 31 · 2015: 27 · 2014: 46 · 2013: 24 · 2012: 29
- FWCI
- 20.49
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Science (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Visual perception and processing mechanisms
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Multisensory perception and integration
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Face Recognition and Perception
- Keywords
- illusory contours, visual cortex, area 18, area 17, contour perception, edge detection, visual perception, monkeys
- MeSH terms
- Animals, Cognition, Form Perception, Humans, Illusions, Macaca mulatta, Neurons, Optical Illusions, Visual Cortex
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