The fusiform gyrus is a region of the brain that plays an important role in visual processing, particularly in the recognition of faces and objects. The fusiform gyrus is located in the temporal lobe, just below the lateral sulcus (the furrow that runs along the side of the brain). It is thought to be part of a network of regions that are involved in object recognition.
The fusiform gyrus has been studied extensively using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). This technique allows researchers to measure changes in blood flow and activity in different parts of the brain. Studies have shown that when people view pictures of faces or objects, there is increased activity in the fusiform gyrus. This finding suggests that the fusiform gyrus plays an important role in visual processing.
Other studies have looked at patients with damage to specific parts of their brains, including the fusiform gyrus. These patients often have difficulty recognizing faces and objects. This finding provides further evidence for the role of the fusiform gyrus in visual processing.