UDC

[612.825+612.821](045)

DOI

10.17238/issn2542-1298.2019.7.1.79

Authors

Ul’yana D. Babkina*
*Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov (Arkhangelsk, Russian Federation)

Abstract

Perception of other people’s faces and of one’s own face is a complex function which involves an extensive network of brain structures. The organization and functioning of this network is being actively investigated at the present time; however, no generally accepted understanding of this problem is yet available. One of the less studied issues within this subject area is self-face perception, since in this process the functions of visual perception and self-concept are integrated. The article provides a review of scientific works on the morphological and physiological bases of self-face perception and recognition. Lateralization is discussed, as well as identification of brain structures involved in it and their relationship. A possible structure of the network of subcortical areas and brain regions activated during self-face perception is described. Data from neuropsychological research, split-brain patients’ examinations, behavioural experiments and fMRI-studies are presented. Current neurophysiological models of self-face perception in humans are analysed. Self-face representation is considered nowadays to be an important part of the complex multi-layer system of self, which includes physical, interpersonal and social components. The relevance of studying the physiological bases of self-face perception is accentuated. In particular, it can facilitate better understanding of the causes of such pathologies as autism or schizophrenia. Special attention in the review is paid to the problematic aspects, “white spots”, in this area such as the interaction between the neural substrate of self and the network related to social perception.

Keywords

visual perception, self-face, self, physical self-concept, autoprosopagnosia, prefrontal cortex

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