Applied Mathematics Seminar

The problem of modelling the environmentally controlled development of the visual system as far as the primary visual cortex is considered. Turing's mechanism of pattern formation is described and his partial differential equations are presented. It is shown that Turing's mechanism can act through neural activity resulting in a pattern formation process.

Some neurophysiology of the primary visual pathway is discussed focusing on the features that are important in the processing of visual information. Four models are presented that predict the postnatal development of these features. Attention is focused on Miller's (1989, 1994, 1998) correlation models which exhibit Turing's pattern formation process. A new formulation for them is given. A new correlation model for the joint-development of the retinotropic map and ocular dominance stripes is formulated.