Abstract
Individual differences in the structure of parietal and prefrontal cortex predict the stability of bistable visual perception. However, the mechanisms linking such individual differences in brain structures to behavior remain elusive. Here we demonstrate a systematic relationship between the dynamics of brain activity, cortical structure and behavior underpinning bistable perception. Using fMRI in
humans, we find that the activity dynamics during bistable perception are well described as fluctuating between three spatially distributed energy minimums: visual-area-dominant, frontal-area-dominant, and intermediate states. Transitions between these energy minimums predicted behavior, with participants whose brain activity tend to reflect the visual-area-dominant state exhibiting more stable perception and those whose activity transition to frontal-area-dominant states reporting more frequent perceptual switches. Critically, these brain activity dynamics are correlated with individual differences in grey matter volume of the corresponding brain areas. Thus, individual differences in the large-scale dynamics of brain activity link focal brain structure with bistable perception.
humans, we find that the activity dynamics during bistable perception are well described as fluctuating between three spatially distributed energy minimums: visual-area-dominant, frontal-area-dominant, and intermediate states. Transitions between these energy minimums predicted behavior, with participants whose brain activity tend to reflect the visual-area-dominant state exhibiting more stable perception and those whose activity transition to frontal-area-dominant states reporting more frequent perceptual switches. Critically, these brain activity dynamics are correlated with individual differences in grey matter volume of the corresponding brain areas. Thus, individual differences in the large-scale dynamics of brain activity link focal brain structure with bistable perception.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 4765 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Nature Communications |
Volume | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 24 Aug 2014 |