Anatomical studies of a temporal visual area in the rabbit

Abstract

Using Fink-Heimer, autoradiographic and horseradish peroxidase techniques, the connections of a temporal visual cortical region of the rabbit were explored. The temporal visual area covers portions of areas T₁ and T₂, and is reciprocally connected with the posterior nucleus and suprageniculate nuclei of the thalamus. It was also shown that the temporal visual area projects to a similar region in the opposite hemisphere, and to intermediate laminae of the superior colliculus. The temporal visual area is discussed in comparison to other similar regions in the cortex of primate species. It is pointed out that recent evidence indicates visual areas in the occipital cortex of non-primate species may be no less numerous and complex than those in primate species.