Ventral stream

The ventral stream, also known as the "what" pathway, is a major pathway in the brain responsible for processing visual information related to object recognition and identification. It works in concert with the dorsal stream (the "where" pathway) to give us a complete understanding of the visual world.

• Functions:
  • Object recognition: This is the primary function of the ventral stream. It allows us to identify objects like faces, cars, tools, and even written words.
  • Form and feature analysis: The ventral stream processes details like shape, color, texture, and how these features come together to form a whole object.
  • Visual memory: It plays a role in storing and retrieving visual memories, allowing us to recognize objects we've encountered before.
• Pathway: The ventral stream originates in the primary visual cortex (located at the back of the brain) and projects towards the temporal lobe, particularly the inferotemporal cortex.