The functional geometry of local and long-range connections in a model of V1
A mathematical model of interacting hypercolumns in primary visual cortex (V1) is presented that incorporates
details concerning the geometry of local and long-range horizontal connections. Each hypercolumn is modeled as a network of
interacting excitatory and inhibitory neural populations with orientation and spatial frequency preferences organized around a pair of pinwheels.
The pinwheels are arranged on a planar lattice, reflecting the crystalline-like structure of cortex. Local interactions within a hypercolumn
generate orientation and spatial frequency tuning curves, which are modulated by horizontal connections between different hypercolumns on the
lattice. The symmetry properties of the local and long-range connections play an important role in determining the types of spontaneous activity
patterns that can arise in cortex.
University of Utah
| Department of Mathematics
|
bressloff@math.utah.edu
Aug 2001.