näkökuori

Näkökuori, also known as the visual cortex, is a part of the brain responsible for processing visual information. Located in the occipital lobe at the back of the head, it receives input from the eyes via the optic nerves. This complex network of neurons is crucial for our ability to see, interpret, and understand the world around us.

The visual cortex is not a single monolithic structure but is organized into distinct areas, each specialized for different aspects of visual processing. The primary visual cortex, also known as V1, is the first area to receive visual input. From V1, information is then sent to a hierarchy of other visual areas, collectively referred to as the extrastriate cortex. These areas are involved in processing more complex features such as color, form, motion, and depth.

Damage to the visual cortex can result in a range of visual impairments, from partial or complete blindness to difficulties in recognizing objects or perceiving motion. Conditions like cortical blindness, caused by damage to V1, result in a loss of vision even if the eyes and optic nerves are functioning normally. Conversely, specific deficits, such as achromatopsia (inability to see color) or akinetopsia (inability to perceive motion), can arise from damage to specialized areas within the extrastriate cortex. The study of the visual cortex has provided significant insights into how the brain constructs our visual experience.