Definition

Noun: - Primary visual cortex: Brodmann's area 17 is the region of the cerebral cortex in the occipital lobe that is the primary and most direct recipient of visual information from the eyes via the thalamus. It is essential for basic visual processing.

Usage

• Scientific/Medical Context: This term is used almost exclusively in neuroscience, neurology, and anatomy to specify the anatomical location of the primary visual cortex.
  • Damage to Brodmann's area 17 can result in cortical blindness.
  • The study mapped neural activity specifically within Brodmann's area 17.

Advanced Usage

• "Striate cortex": This is a common synonym for Brodmann's area 17, referring to its striped appearance under a microscope.
  • The striate cortex (Brodmann's area 17) is the first cortical stop for visual signals.

Variants and Related Words

• Primary visual cortex (V1): The functional name for Brodmann's area 17, emphasizing its role as the first stage of cortical visual processing.
• Striate cortex: An anatomical synonym based on its physical structure.
• Visual area 1 (V1): Another functional synonym used in neuroscience.

Synonyms

• Primary visual cortex
• V1
• Striate cortex

Related Terms (Not Synonyms)

• Brodmann's area 18 (V2): The visual association area adjacent to area 17, involved in further processing of visual information.
• Occipital lobe: The larger brain lobe where Brodmann's area 17 is located.
• Lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN): The thalamic structure that sends visual input to Brodmann's area 17.

Noun

1. the part of the occipital cortex that receives the fibers of the optic radiation from the lateral geniculate body and is the primary receptive area for vision