Abstract
Ontogenetic development of ocularity domains — stripes, patches and layers in cortex, colliculus superior and lateral geniculate nucleus — is the result of organization that may either be intrinsic to the postsynaptic structure or induced to it by the afferents. A specific type of axonal growth behaviour that was recently proposed as a basis for ontogenetic development of retinotopy is sufficient to account also for ocularity domains. No intrinsic organization in the postsynaptic structure is required. The latter merely serves as a propagating medium for markers carried by the presynaptic terminals. Computer simulations demonstrate the mechanism to be complete and consistent.
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von der Malsburg, C. Development of ocularity domains and growth behaviour of axon terminals. Biol. Cybernetics 32, 49–62 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00337452
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00337452