Brain regions sensitive to the face inversion effect: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study in humans

Neurosci Lett. 2003 May 22;342(3):143-6. doi: 10.1016/s0304-3940(03)00232-5.

Abstract

Perception of upright faces relies on configural processing. Therefore recognition of inverted, compared to upright faces is impaired. In a functional magnetic resonance imaging experiment we investigated the neural correlate of a face inversion task. Thirteen healthy subjects were presented with a equal number of upright and inverted faces alternating with a low level baseline with an upright and inverted picture of an abstract symbol. Brain activation was calculated for upright minus inverted faces. For this differential contrast, we found a signal change in the right superior temporal sulcus and right insula. Configural properties are processed in a network comprising right superior temporal and insular cortex.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain / anatomy & histology
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Brain Mapping
  • Dominance, Cerebral
  • Facial Expression*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Male
  • Pattern Recognition, Visual / physiology
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Recognition, Psychology / physiology*