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How do object perception and action interact at a neural level? Here we test the hypothesis that perceptual features, processed by the ventral visuoperceptual stream, are used as priors by the dorsal visuomotor stream to specify goal-directed grasping actions. We present three main findings, which were obtained by combining time-resolved transcranial magnetic stimulation and kinematic tracking of grasp-and-rotate object manipulations, in a group of healthy human participants (N = 22). First, the extrastriate body area (EBA), in the ventral stream, provides an initial structure to motor plans, based on current and desired states of a grasped object and of the grasping hand. Second, the contributions of EBA are earlier in time than those of a caudal intraparietal region known to specify the action plan. Third, the contributions of EBA are particularly important when desired and current object configurations differ, and multiple courses of actions are possible. These findings specify the temporal and functional characteristics for a mechanism that integrates perceptual processing with motor planning.

Original publication

DOI

10.1523/ENEURO.0020-16.2016

Type

Journal article

Journal

eNeuro

Publication Date

03/2016

Volume

3

Keywords

perception–action, transcranial magnetic stimulation, ventral stream, visuomotor transformations, Adult, Analysis of Variance, Choice Behavior, Female, Goals, Hand Strength, Healthy Volunteers, Humans, Male, Neuroimaging, Photic Stimulation, Posture, Psychomotor Performance, Reaction Time, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Visual Cortex, Young Adult