Development and UseDependent Modification of Synaptic Connections in the Visual Layers of the Rodent Superior Colliculus

Acknowledgment 131

List of Abbreviations 132

References 133

8.1 INTRODUCTION

Neurons in the superficial layers of the superior colliculus (sSC) are specialized to detect novel visual objects and to provide information on the location of peripheral targets. Figure 8.1 illustrates the main elements of an oligosynaptic pathway, which is responsible for the rapid initiation of saccadic eye movements. The inset of Figure 8.1 illustrates that sSC neurons respond to moving objects and habituate very rapidly.