Neural Representations and Categorization of Visual Input in the Brain

The functional organization of the visual processing system effectively serves to solve

difficult recognition and classification problems. Given a large amount of information, the visual

processing system is able to retrieve critical bits and produce a salient understanding of the

world. This impressive, calculated ability is supported by neural substrates that have been well

defined through extensive research. The seemingly spontaneous recognition of objects and

classification of scenes results from a series of computations through the visual pathway. In

order to understand how these complex abilities are supported by neural substrate, research must

target the individual abilities and contributions of regions that process visual information.

Understanding the functionality of areas in the visual processing stream will elucidate the

computational mechanisms of recognition and classification.