Citation

Mahaffy S, Krauzlis RJ. Vision Res. 2011; 51(8): 853-866.

Affiliation

Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037-1099, United States; PO Box 85800, San Diego, CA 92186-5800, United States.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.visres.2010.10.010

PMID

20970442

PMCID

PMC3046298

Abstract

The frontal pursuit area (FPA) contains neurons that are directionally selective for pursuit eye-movements. We found that FPA neurons discriminate target from distracter too late to account for pursuit directional selection. Rather, the timing of neuronal discrimination is linked to pursuit onset, suggesting a role in motor execution. We also found buildup of activity of FPA neurons prior to pursuit onset that correlated with eye acceleration. These results show that the FPA is unlikely to be involved in selection of initial pursuit direction, but could be involved in motor preparation by increasing pursuit gain prior to pursuit onset.

Language: en