Visual information processing, animal

Winneke, 1979) have been reported. From in vitro experiments there is evidence that retinal function is influenced by lead (Fox and Sillman, 1979 Sillman et al, 1984). The purpose of the present experiments was to investigate the visual evoked potential (VEP) and the electroretinogram (ERG) in lead-exposed monkeys, in order to assess central and peripheral aspects of visual information processing. The results reported here are still preliminary, since additional animals remain to be tested. 

The superior colliculus is a small pair of bumps on the dorsal surface of the midbrain. Another pair, the inferior colliculus, is found just below it. Stimulation of the superior colliculus results in contralateral eye movement. Anatomically, output tracts from the superior colliculus run to areas that control eye and neck movement. Both the inferior and superior colliculi are apparently involved in locating sound. In the bat, the inferior colliculus is enormous, crucial to that animal s remarkable echolocation abihties. The superior colhculus processes information from the inferior colliculus, as well as from the retina, allowing the eyes to quickly find and follow targets based on visual and auditory cues. 

---