Fusiform Gyrus Volume Reduction in First-Episode Schizophrenia

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Abstract
THE FUSIFORM GYRUS (FG), or occipitotemporal gyrus, is located on the ventromedial surface of the temporal and occipital lobes. Recently, this gyrus received attention because of its critical role in face recognition.1-3 Evidence from functional neuroimaging and neuropsychological studies4,5 suggests that there are specific mechanisms for face perception in the FG in humans that are distinct from the mechanisms for perception of other objects. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), Kanwisher et al6 found that the FG was selectively involved in the perception of faces. These findings excluded alternative accounts of the function of the FG in face perception, such as visual attention or general processing of any animate or human forms. Moreover, the necessary role of the FG in face recognition has been supported by findings from neuropsychological and anatomical studies7,8 of patients who have selectively lost the ability to recognize faces (prosopagnosia).