Paul - Calibration of Topographic Brain Maps

Question 1

Describe a problem caused by misalignment of brain maps.

Answer 1

Consequences of Misalignment:
* Perceptual distortions
* Motor coordination issues
* Sensory conflicts

Question 2

Explain an experiment demonstrating re‐alignment
between auditory and visual brain maps.

Answer 2

Audio‐visual discrepancy changes the auditory map. Glasses put on owl.
1) Normal behaviour:
* Owl orients to centre
2) Prisms shift visual field 23° to the
right:
* Sound stimulus: Owl still orients
to centre
* Visual stimulus: Owl orients 23°
to the right
3) Re‐alignment of auditory map after 42 days:
* Sound stimulus: Owl orients 23°
to the right
* Orientation corresponds to
shifted visual cues
4) Removal of prisms:
* Sound stimulus: Owl still orients
23° to the right
* Auditory map has shifted, but
visual map remains unchanged
= Visual input guides auditory map calibration.

Question 3

Discuss the role of critical periods in brain map calibration.

Answer 3

Definition: Time window when synaptic connections are highly adaptable
Characteristics:
* Neural circuit properties become fixed
* Increased sensitivity to environmental influences
Importance:
* Environmental deprivation can impair later behaviour
Learning during critical periods increases the
capacity for plasticity in adults.
Critical period learning leaves permanent neural trace