Specificity of V1-V2 orientation networks in the primate visual cortex.

The computation of texture and shape involves integration of features of various orientations. Orientation networks within V1 tend to involve cells which share similar orientation selectivity. However, emergent properties in V2 require the integration of multiple orientations. We now show that, unlike interactions within V1, V1-V2 orientation interactions are much less synchronized and are not necessarily orientation dependent. We find V1-V2 orientation networks are of two types: a more tightly synchronized, orientation-preserving network and a less synchronized orientation-diverse network. We suggest that such diversity of V1-V2 interactions underlies the spatial and functional integration required for computation of higher order contour and shape in V2.