Gyrus Fusiformis

The function of the gyrus fusiformis

The fusiform gyrus is a part of the brain located at the bottom of the temporal lobe. This area is necessary for recognizing and distinguishing faces, objects, and visual patterns (recognizable images or shapes). It also helps with processing colors and reading words.

In summary:

• Recognizing and reading words
  
• Facial recognition
  
• Body recognition
  
• Recognizing and distinguishing patterns and objects
  
• Color processing

Consequences of damage to the fusiform gyrus

As may be expected from the above list of functions of the fusiform gyrus, problems occur in specific functions when damaged.
One of the most common consequences is prosopagnosia, also known as face blindness, in which someone has difficulty recognizing faces, even of people they know well. Sometimes a face appears distorted.
Other possible effects include difficulty identifying objects and patterns (visual agnosia) or difficulty distinguishing small visual details and colors.

Causes of damage to the Fusiform Gyrus

The fusiform gyrus may be damaged by various causes. A common cause is a stroke, where an interruption of the blood supply to this area can lead to loss of function.
Traumatic brain injury, for example from an accident, or surgery on the temporal lobe (temporal lobectomy) may also cause damage. In addition, neurological disorders such as epilepsy, tumors, or degenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, may negatively impact the fusiform gyrus. Finally, an infection or inflammation in the brain (encephalitis) may also cause damage, potentially impacting cognitive and visual functions.

Where in the brain is the fusiform gyrus located?

The fusiform gyrus is an important part of the lateral temporal lobe and the occipital lobe.
The neurologist and anatomist Brodmann numbered the brain areas in 1909 and the fusiform gyrus is called Brodmann area number 37.
It is also called the lateral occipitotemporal gyrus.

The fusiform gyrus is part of the visual processing system.
Together, these areas are responsible for perceiving, interpreting, and understanding visual information such as color, movement, and shape.

Neuropsychological research shows that facial recognition is enabled by an extensive network in the visual part of the brain, or ventral visual pathway. This network extends from the back of the head (lateral occipital sulcus) to the side of the temples (temporal pole).

The fusiform gyrus and the anterior temporal cortex work together to recognize faces. Damage to the anterior temporal cortex makes it difficult to remember faces, while damage to the fusiform gyrus makes it difficult to recognize faces.

In the right hemisphere of the temporal lobe there is an area that allows you to recognize faces as a whole at a glance. The left hemisphere of the brain is responsible for viewing and storing the fine details of faces.

What does face blindness (prosopagnosia) mean in practice?

Persons with face blindness cannot recognize themselves in the mirror. They cannot recognize the faces of partner, children, parents, friends or other acquaintances. They also cannot recognize them in photos. New faces are not remembered. People in uniform or wearing the same outfit all look the same. It makes watching a movie or a play difficult because the characters are unrecognizable.
It is especially difficult if you cannot recognize someone's facial expression. Then you do not really know someone is feeling.
See more on our page about prosopagnosia.

Coping with Face Blindness

In rehabilitation clinics, people often learn how to cope with limitations and how to better recognize faces (compensatory strategies). People learn to pay close attention to details such as a mustache, glasses, gait, a specific scent, or hair color. You can also arrange for acquaintances to mention their names when they encounter you or visit. At gatherings with family or friends, you can ask everyone to wear a name tag.
In the Oliver Sacks film, you see how the man who mistook his wife for a hat accidentally reaches for the coat rack, but instead grabs his wife's head. Neurologist Oliver Sacks himself had face blindness.
Watch a video here in which Oliver Sacks explains Face Blindness.