Face and emotional processing as determined by intracranial recordings

Face recognition is one of the first higher order visual processes developing in man: already in 3-day old human neonates recognition of previously presented faces can be observed. Successful face perception, recognition of their identity and correct interpretation of the facial expressions are mandatory for proper social functioning. Studies in patients and healthy subjects suggest the existence of a specialized network related to face recognition. Evoked potential (EP) studies in patients with intracranial electrodes helped to determine temporal and anatomical aspects of face processing in humans, including processing of emotional features. Evidence from these studies showed that in particular temporal lobe structures participate in these processes.