Mapping of Human Visual Cortex

Abstract

In many respects, vision is the most complex human sensory system because of the large number of submodalities analyzed by the visual system. The goal of modern neurosurgery is to improve the survival rates and quality of life of patients with surgically treatable intracranial lesions. The protection of functions potentially at risk during surgery is facilitated by functional mapping of critical eloquent areas. The visual system is one of the most important areas. This paper reviews the techniques currently available for mapping the human visual cortex as well as the anatomy of this area. Functional magnetic resonance imaging, magnetoencephalography, subdural electrodes, and direct cortical stimulation continue to stimulate progress in mapping of human visual cortex and will be discussed here.