Computational model of layer 2/3 in mouse primary visual cortex explains observed visuomotor mismatch response

Abstract Activity in layer 2/3 of the mouse primary visual cortex has been shown to depend both on visual input and the mouse's locomotion. Moreover, this activity is altered by a mismatch between the observed visual flow and the predicted visual flow from locomotion. Here, we present a simple computational model that explains previously reported recordings from layer 2/3 neurons in mice. In our model, layer 2/3 computes the difference between observed visual flow and predicted flow from locomotion; i.e., this difference represents the motion of objects external to the mouse. Crucially, this difference is encoded in a neural population code. We also describe a hypothesized mechanism for how the brain may carry out computations of variables encoded in a population code. This mechanism may point to a general principle for computing any mathematical function in the brain.