The Neural Circuits for Face Recognition

Explore the intricate neural circuits responsible for face recognition in this 59-minute lecture by Winrich Freiwald from The Rockefeller University. Delve into the specialized network of face processing regions in the primate brain, including a newly discovered area in the temporal pole involved in person recognition. Examine findings from fMRI and physiological studies that shed light on how the brain represents facial features and performs computational processes for face recognition. Learn about face detection, discrimination, and selective cells and areas within the brain's face processing system. Investigate concepts such as phase selectivity, aspect ratio, face space, and orientation tuning. Gain insights into the modular architecture of face recognition circuits and engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the implications of these findings for our understanding of visual intelligence and social cognition.