Frontal eye fields

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Frontal Eye Fields (FEF)

The Frontal Eye Fields (FEF) are a region located in the frontal cortex of the brain that is involved in the control of voluntary eye movements. The FEF plays a crucial role in the visual system and is essential for saccadic eye movements, which are rapid, simultaneous movements of both eyes in the same direction.

Anatomy

The FEF is situated in the precentral gyrus and the adjacent premotor cortex, specifically in the Brodmann area 8. This area is located anterior to the primary motor cortex and is part of the frontal lobe.

Function

The primary function of the FEF is to control eye movements, particularly saccades. Saccades are quick, simultaneous movements of both eyes that allow the visual system to rapidly shift the point of fixation from one location to another. The FEF is also involved in smooth pursuit, which is the ability to steadily track a moving object.

The FEF receives input from various regions of the brain, including the visual cortex, the parietal lobe, and the basal ganglia. It sends output to the superior colliculus, which is a structure in the midbrain that plays a key role in initiating and controlling eye movements.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the FEF can result in a variety of eye movement disorders. Lesions in this area can lead to difficulties in initiating saccades, a condition known as ocular motor apraxia. Patients with damage to the FEF may also experience gaze palsy, which is the inability to move the eyes in a particular direction.

Research

Research on the FEF has provided significant insights into the neural mechanisms underlying eye movements. Studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electrophysiology have shown that the FEF is activated during tasks that require visual attention and eye movement control.

See Also

• Visual cortex
• Saccadic eye movement
• Smooth pursuit
• Superior colliculus
• Ocular motor apraxia
• Gaze palsy