Have you wondered how the brain perceives the objects around us? For example, how do we identify an apple or an ant? It is in the hands of the fusiform gyrus — a brain region that analyses and helps to visualise objects. The fusiform gyrus helps to interpret visual signals and image formation in the brain.
Dr Priyank Vasavada, neurosurgeon, M S Ramaiah Medical College and Hospital, Bengaluru, says that the fusiform gyrus is a junction between the visual cortex and the temporal lobe — the regions responsible for cognition. “It [fusiform gyrus] helps in recognising the size, shape and structure of objects and correlates it with the memory of past experiences,” he explains.
The fusiform gyrus incoordination with other region of the brain involved in face recognition called fusiform face area, also helps us identify face of people and ourselves, he adds.
The fusiform gyrus helps identify and segregate similar objects, for example, identifying identical coloured beads. According to this concept, the lateral region of the brain is active when placing similar things. At the same time, the middle areas are activated when the objects are different.
A dysfunction in this brain region leads to an inability to identify people and objects, read, or visualise something through other senses like smell, taste or touch(synaesthesia).
Dr Vasavada says, “ Any damage [by injury or due to neurological conditions] to the left side [of the brain] can lead to the inability to recognise faces.”
The below infographic captures some aspects of the fusiform gyrus.
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