WOUNDS OF THE VISUAL PATHWAY: PART II: THE STRIATE CORTEX

Abstract

A series of 958 cases of penetrating head injury were analyzed with reference to the anatomy of the striate cortex. The classic view of Holmes and Lister regarding the representation of central vision most posteriorly and peripheral fields progressively forward as the far periphery is approached, with the lower field above and the upper field below, are largely confirmed. The macula (subtending an angle of 9[degree]) is concluded to be unilaterally (i.e. contralaterally) represented, rather than bilaterally, because of scotoma in occipital lobe injuries which reach the fixation point. The horizontal meridian is represented on the floor of the calcarine fissure. Central vision within an 8[degree]-10[degree] circumference is represented on the postero-medial tips of the occipital lobes. The surfaces of the occipital lobes facing medially represent areas more than 10[degree] from the fixation point.