Superior Colliculus

Question 1

Three cell types

Answer 1

Depends on layers where you record:

1. Visual neurons
   - Only active in visual phase (target pop up)
2. Visuo-Motor neurons
   - Reponds bit to both (Target pop up and saccade)
3. Motor neurons
   - Only active in motor phase (Saccade)

Question 2

Old view on colliculus function

Answer 2

Visual stimulus in RF evokes response that is enhanced when used for an eye movement but not when that movement is not related to the stimulus

Only in OVERT attention, not in covert attention

Question 3

Current view

Answer 3

Bit more nuanced, Role of SC tested in covert attention with dissociating loation of attention from location of eye movements

• Monkey fixating, saccadic movement depends on the Landolt-C target. Acuity is improved at attended location

Found activity in the attentional saccade preparation phase (ASP), aka covert attention
Most of the visuo-motor neurons have this, some of the visual neurons