In the brain of the beholder: whole brain dynamics shape the perception during ambiguous motion

Abstract

Visual perception is typically based on a one-to-one mapping between stimuli and conscious experiences. However, under bistable conditions, identical sensory inputs can elicit alternating perceptions, requiring the brain to resolve ambiguity. The mechanisms underlying transitions between distinct perceptual states and their sustained maintenance remain poorly understood. In this ultra-high-field (7T) fMRI study, we investigated the neural dynamics of perception using a bistable motion stimulus (ambiguous motion quartet) that evoked endogenous alternations between horizontal and vertical motion, compared to a control condition (physical motion quartet) with unambiguous sensory input. Consistent with previous findings, the human motion complex (hMT+) played a central role in processing both physical and ambiguous motion conditions. By dissociating neural activity during perceptual transitions from sustained perceptions, we found that hMT+ mostly interacts dynamically with area 46 in the frontal cortex and PF/PFm within the inferior parietal lobe during transitions and with subregions of the superior parietal lobe during sustained perceptions. Beyond local activity, computational modeling revealed an increase in hierarchical organization across cortical networks during the ambiguous condition. In particular, the same frontal and parietal regions exhibited ascension within the functional hierarchy, likely reflecting their specific role in coordinating computations for resolving ambiguity.