Optical imaging technology uniquely offers the ability to reveal quickly and with high spatial resolution the activity of neuronal ensembles in vivo. It has proven invaluable in guiding the placement of microelectrodes for functional studies of specific brain structures in V1, V2, and V4 as well as for the study of neuronal interactions and connectivity with cross correlation methods. Its ability to non-invasively image the same cortical region over time makes it ideal for studying dynamic aspects of brain function. Figure Legend Optical imaging reveals functional organizations in visual cortex. Superimposed are electrophysiologically characterised cells and their connectivities as revealed by cross correlation methods.
Solid line indicates presence, and dotted line absence, of interaction between two cells.
At center of monocularity are locations of blobs. Cytochrome oxidase histology of same region of cortex, showing blob locations in V1 and stripe locations in V2.