Two-streams hypothesis

Two-streams hypothesis is a model proposed by Melvyn A. Goodale and A. David Milner to explain the processing of visual information in the brain. According to this hypothesis, the brain uses two separate pathways, or "streams", to process visual information: the ventral stream and the dorsal stream.

The ventral stream (also known as the "what pathway") is involved in object recognition and form representation. It extends from the primary visual cortex in the occipital lobe forward into the temporal lobe. It is associated with the perception of color, shape, and size of objects.

The dorsal stream (also known as the "where pathway") is involved in spatial awareness and guidance of actions. It extends from the primary visual cortex into the parietal lobe. It is associated with the perception of motion, spatial orientation, and control of the visual guidance of movements.

The two-streams hypothesis has been influential in neuroscience and psychology, and has been supported by a number of studies. However, it has also been the subject of debate and revision, with some researchers proposing modifications or alternatives to the model.

Ventral Stream

The ventral stream is involved in the recognition of objects. It is responsible for determining "what" an object is. This stream begins in the primary visual cortex, and extends forward into the inferior temporal cortex. It is associated with the perception of color, shape, and size of objects.

Dorsal Stream

The dorsal stream is involved in the spatial awareness and guidance of actions. It is responsible for determining "where" an object is. This stream begins in the primary visual cortex, and extends into the posterior parietal cortex. It is associated with the perception of motion, spatial orientation, and control of the visual guidance of movements.

Criticisms and Alternatives

While the two-streams hypothesis has been influential, it has also been the subject of criticism and revision. Some researchers have proposed modifications or alternatives to the model, suggesting that the division between "what" and "where" pathways is not as clear-cut as the original hypothesis suggests.

See Also

• Visual perception
• Visual system
• Visual cortex
• Neuroscience
• Psychology

References

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