Anatomical correlates of face patches in macaque inferotemporal cortex

Abstract

Primate brains typically have regions within the ventral visual stream that are selectively responsive to faces. These face patches are located in similar parts of macaque inferotemporal (IT) cortex across individuals though correspondence with particular anatomical features has not been previously reported. Here, using high resolution functional and anatomical imaging, we show that small "bumps" along the lower bank of the superior temporal sulcus are predictive of the location of face-selective regions. Recordings from implanted multi-electrode arrays verified that these bumps contain face-selective neurons. These bumps were present in monkeys raised without seeing faces and that lack face patches, indicating that these anatomical landmarks are predictive, of but not sufficient for, the presence of face selectivity. These bumps are found across primate species, indicating common evolutionary developmental mechanisms.