Development in the Visual Cortex

Synopsis: Presents the results of Dr Colin Blakemore’s 1970s’ research on plasticity of neuronal responses in the visual cortex. Describes the concept of a ‘sensitive period’ in visual development by reference to Hubel and Wiesel’s work on monocular deprivation: the effect of reversal of this procedure. Dr Blakemore shows, in cats, both behavioural and neurophysiological evidence for there being a particularly critical period of about 28 days when the visual input determines the subsequent capabilities of the animal’s visual system. The works is shown to have a place in the wider context of cortical development and adaptation to experience.
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Medium: Video; Videocassette. VHS. col. 9 min.
Year of production: 1973
Availability: Sale
Notes: Restricted to medical and scientific audiences.
Uses: Final courses in physiology and psychology*. BMA/BLAT.
Subjects: Biology
Keywords: brain; cats; nervous system; physiology - animal; visual cortex