Stimulus complexity modulates contrast response functions in the human middle temporal area (hMT+)

Abstract

The brain systems that support motion perception are some of the most studied in the primate visual system, with apparent specialization in the middle temporal area (hMT+ in humans, MT or V5 in monkeys). Even with this specialization, it is safe to assume that the hMT+ interacts with other brain systems as visual tasks demand. Here we have measured those interactions using a specialized case of structure-from-motion, point-light biological motion. We have measured the BOLD-contrast response functions in hMT+ for translating and biological motion. Even after controlling for task and attention, we find the BOLD response for translating motion to be largely insensitive to contrast, but the BOLD response for biological motion to be strongly contrast dependent. To track the brain systems involved in these interactions, we probed for brain areas outside of the hMT+ with the same contrast dependent neural response. This analysis revealed brain systems known to support form perception (including ventral temporal cortex and the superior temporal sulcus). We conclude that the contrast dependent response in hMT+ likely reflects stimulus complexity, and may be evidence for interactions with shape-based brain systems.