Stochastic resonance and ' synchronization in the human visual system.

Cortical synchronization in the range (above ~30.0 Hz) and the signal/noise interplay described by models have been proposed as basic mechanisms in neuronal synchronization and sensory information processing, particularly in vision. Here we report an observation in humans of linear and inverted-U distributions of the electrophysiological (EEG) responses to visual contrast stimulation in the and in the low frequency components of the visual evoked responses (VER), respectively. The combination of linear and inverted-U distributions is described by a model (SR). The observation needs replication in larger subjects' samples. It nevertheless adds to the available evidence of a role of oscillatory signals and SR mechanisms in neuronal synchronization and visual processing. Some functional adaptation in human vision appears conceivable and further investigation is warranted.