Figure 1. Brain visual pathways.

The signals related to the shape, color and motion of visual objects are integrated by specialized brain neuronal populations residing in the primary visual cortex i.e the superficial neuronal layers of the brain occipital lobe. Output signals are then generated that instruct other cortical areas for higher order integration tasks. The “What” pathway connects the primary visual cortex to areas of the temporal cortex that are essential to the recognition and memorization of objects and forms. The “Where” pathway connects the primary visual cortex to areas of the parietal cortex that support perception of precise localization. The interconnections between higher-order visual areas (dashed arrows) as well as other brain areas not highlighted here, allows a fully-integrated perception that takes into account the “What”, “Where”, “How” and “When” features of a visual object.