Which parts of the brain process visual movement?

Visual movement is processed through a complex network involving several specialized regions of the brain. While the primary visual area (V1) in the occipital lobe begins the analysis of movement, further processing occurs across multiple cortical areas.12

Key brain regions involved in movement perception include:

• Middle Temporal Area (MT/V5): Often called the motion area, this region contains cells that respond to the movement of objects and the motion of entire areas of the visual field. It is a critical component of the dorsal stream, which processes spatial information and guides action.12
• Superior Colliculus: Located in the midbrain, this structure is involved in movement detection and the tracking of moving objects, helping to coordinate eye and head movements.12
• Secondary Visual Area: This region contains many neurons that respond specifically to the direction of moving objects.2
• Parietal Cortex: This area processes visual stimuli related to movement, particularly when tracking objects or preparing for physical actions like reaching.2
• Superior Temporal Gyrus: This region contains neurons that respond to movement, particularly in the peripheral visual field.2

The brain utilizes a "dorsal stream" of processing that leads to the parietal lobe to formulate action based on movement, while the "ventral stream" focuses more on object identity. Damage to motion-processing areas, such as the MT, can result in the inability to distinguish moving objects from stationary ones.1