Cite as:
Mikhailova E S, 1999, "Asymmetry of visual evoked potentials in the inferior temporal cortex and recognition of facial expressions" Perception 28 ECVP Abstract Supplement

Asymmetry of visual evoked potentials in the inferior temporal cortex and recognition of facial expressions

E S Mikhailova

Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) were used to study recognition of facial expressions and figures. With central stimulation, shorter latencies for N90 and P150 and larger amplitudes for P150 and N350 for expressive faces were found only in the right IT. Further, VEPs for faces exhibited significant hemispheric asymmetry--larger amplitudes of P150 and N350 in the right IT compared to the left one. In comparison, VEPs for figures revealed shorter latency for P150 in the left IT compared to the right one. Topographic maps of VEPs revealed the localisation of P150 in the right IT for faces, while figures elicited only slight activation in the left IT. Under stimulation of the left hemifield, significant enlargement of N90, P150, N180, and P250 waves was found in the right IT for expressive faces versus figures. Notably, dynamic mapping by VEPs for faces revealed the onset of activation in contralateral occipital cortex with fast successive activation of contralateral IT. The effect was parallel for the ipsilateral one; while for figures, only contralateral focus was found. The data suggest a principal role of the right IT cortex in the recognition of facial expression.

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