Visual Topography of the Pulvinar Projection Zones.

Abstract

In this chapter, we describe the visuotopy of the pulvinar subdivisions P1, P2, and P4. In all primates, P1 colocalizes with the chemoarchitecturally defined PI and a small portion of PL. The peripheral visual field is represented anteriorly in the medial portion of PI, while central vision is represented more posteriorly in the medial portion of PL. The vertical meridian representation is located on the lateral edge of P1, while the horizontal meridian is represented obliquely from the lateral to the medial extent of P1. The upper visual field is represented ventrally, while the lower field is located dorsally. P2 has only been described in the macaque monkey. It contains a representation of the peripheral visual field, located in its anterior portion, and of the central field, which is located in posterior PL. P4 has a complex topographic arrangement. The representation of the vertical meridian is located on the dorsal edge of P4, while the representation of the horizontal meridian divides P4 into dorsal and ventral portions.