näkökuorelle

Näkokuorelle is a Finnish term that translates to "visual cortex" in English. It refers to the area of the brain responsible for processing visual information. Located in the occipital lobe at the back of the brain, the visual cortex receives input from the eyes via the optic nerve. This intricate network of neurons analyzes various aspects of visual stimuli, including shape, color, movement, and depth.

The visual cortex is organized hierarchically, meaning that simpler features are processed in earlier stages, and more complex interpretations are built upon these initial analyses. For instance, neurons in the primary visual cortex (V1) respond to basic elements like lines and edges, while areas further along the visual pathway, such as V2 and V4, process more complex patterns and colors. The dorsal stream, often referred to as the "where" pathway, is involved in spatial processing and guiding actions based on visual input, while the ventral stream, the "what" pathway, is crucial for object recognition and identification. Damage to the visual cortex can result in a range of visual impairments, from partial blindness to difficulties in recognizing objects or perceiving motion.