Perceptual learning and adult cortical plasticity.

Full Abstract

The visual cortex retains the capacity for experience-dependent changes, or plasticity, of cortical function and cortical circuitry, throughout life. These changes constitute the mechanism of perceptual learning in normal visual experience and in recovery of function after CNS damage. Such plasticity can be seen at multiple stages in the visual pathway, including primary visual cortex. The manifestation of the functional changes associated with perceptual learning involve both long term modification of cortical circuits during the course of learning, and short term dynamics in the functional properties of cortical neurons. These dynamics are subject to top-down influences of attention, expectation and perceptual task. As a consequence, each cortical area is an adaptive processor, altering its function in accordance to immediate perceptual demands.

Author information

Author/s: Gilbert, Charles D (CD); Li, Wu (W); Piech, Valentin (V);

Affiliation: Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA. gilbert(-atsign-)rockefeller.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: The Journal of physiology (J Physiol), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Jun; vol 587 (issue Pt 12) : pp 2743-51

Dates: Created 2009/06/15; Completed 2009/09/21;

PMID: 19525560, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 9/21/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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