development-of-the-visual-cortex

Development of the Visual Cortex

• The visual cortex is the region of the cerebral cortex in which visual information is processed

  • The cerebral cortex is the outer layer of the cerebrum

• Soon after birth the neurones in the visual cortex of baby mammals begin to form connections, or synapses, allowing visual information to be transferred through and processed by the visual cortex

• Both eyes need to be visually stimulated in order for the neurones in the visual cortex to be organised correctly during this period of early development, known as the critical period

• Synapses that pass on nerve impulses during this critical period are strengthened and become permanent parts of the structure of the visual cortex

• Synapses that do not receive nerve impulses during this critical period are lost and cannot be re-formed

  • This can result in blindness in one or both eyes if visual stimulation is not provided during the critical period

• Evidence for this critical period of development comes from a study using animal models carried out by Hubel and Wiesel

The visual cortex is located at the back of the brain within the cerebral cortex