A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Facilitated early cortical processing of nude human bodies




AuthorsJussi Alho, Nelli Salminen, Mikko Sams, Jari K. Hietanen, Lauri Nummenmaa

PublisherELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

Publication year2015

JournalBiological Psychology

Journal name in sourceBIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Journal acronymBIOL PSYCHOL

Volume109

First page 103

Last page110

Number of pages8

ISSN0301-0511

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2015.04.010


Abstract

Functional brain imaging has identified specialized neural systems supporting human body perception. Responses to nude vs. clothed bodies within this system are amplified. However, it remains unresolved whether nude and clothed bodies are processed by same cerebral networks or whether processing of nude bodies recruits additional affective and arousal processing areas. We recorded simultaneous MEG and EEG while participants viewed photographs of clothed and nude bodies. Global field power revealed a peak similar to 145ms after stimulus onset to both clothed and nude bodies, and similar to 205ms exclusively to nude bodies. Nude-body-sensitive responses were centered first (100-200 ms) in the extrastriate and fusiform body areas, and subsequently (200-300 ms) in affective-motivational areas including insula and anterior cingulate cortex. We conclude that visibility of sexual features facilitates early cortical processing of human bodies, the purpose of which is presumably to trigger sexual behavior and ultimately ensure reproduction. (C) 2015 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.



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