Dorsal stream (DS)

The dorsal stream is a functional neural pathway in the primate visual system that originates in the primary visual cortex (V1) and projects into the posterior parietal cortex. Often referred to as the 'where pathway' or the 'how pathway,' it is primarily responsible for processing spatial information, such as the location, distance, and relative motion of objects in the environment. It plays a critical role in guiding motor actions, such as reaching and grasping, by integrating visual data with somatic sensory information. Unlike the ventral stream, which is involved in object recognition, the dorsal stream focuses on the spatial relationships required for interaction with the physical world. Clinical damage to this pathway often results in complex neurological syndromes such as Bálint's syndrome or akinetopsia, where patients lose the ability to perceive motion or coordinate visually guided movements. While the dorsal stream is not a molecular target for pharmacology, it is a major focus in neurorehabilitation and the study of visual cognition (Goodale & Milner, 1992; NIH National Eye Institute).

Other names

Where pathwayHow pathwayDorsal visual streamParietal streamMagnocellular pathway

Not applicable as the dorsal stream is an anatomical neural pathway rather than a molecular target.