Blobs are sections of primary visual cortex (V1) above and below layer IV where groups of neurons sensitive to color assemble in cylindrical shapes.

As a striking case of putative structure–function correlation, this mini-review focuses on the relatively well-characterized pattern of cytochrome oxidase (CO) blobs (aka “patches” or “puffs”) in the supragranular layers of macaque monkey visual cortex.

Most strikingly, the use of CO histochemistry was critical to the discovery of patchy functional sub-compartments in the supragranular layers of primate V1, which are referred to as “CO blobs/puffs/patches” (Horton, 1984).

Feb 1, 2001 · CO blobs are associated with reduced orientation selectivity, multiple orientations (pinwheel centers), low spatial frequency and monocular regions of ocular dominance columns. This collection of blob properties leads to relatively more frequent and sustained activation of neurons within the blobs.

Apr 4, 2011 · The cytochrome rich regions of V1 in layer 3 and lower 2 are referred to as “CO blobs”. The regions between blobs are the interblobs. C: The axonal projections to the first extrastriate visual area V2 from neurons in the CO-rich blobs (dark brown barrels in V1) project preferentially to the thin CO-rich stripes.

As a striking case of putative structure–function correlation, this mini-review focuses on the relatively well-characterized pattern of cytochrome oxidase (CO) blobs (aka “patches” or “pufs”) in the supragranular lay-ers of macaque monkey visual cortex.

CO blobs in superficial layers of V1 were identified using an automated method that determined the location of blob centers, which were then aligned with a computer-defined ocular dominance pattern derived from CO sections through layer IVC (see Materials and Methods).

Apr 1, 2004 · There are regularly arranged blobs that contain neurons labeled by cytochrome oxidase (CO) in the supragranular layer of the primary visual cortex (V1) of monkeys and cats.

The cytochrome oxidase (CO) blobs and interblobs in layer 3B of primate visual cortex have different sets of corticocortical connections. Cortical layers below layer 3B also project corticocortically, but the relationship of efferent projections from the deeper layers to the overlying blob/interblob architecture is less clear.

Jul 12, 1999 · The cytochrome oxidase (CO) blobs and interblobs in layer 3B of primate visual cortex have different sets of corticocortical connections. Cortical layers below layer 3B also project corticocortically, but the relationship of efferent projections from the deeper layers to the overlying blob/interblob …