Abstract
Many neurons in the inferior temporal cortex (IT) of primates respond more strongly to images of faces than to images of non-face objects. Such so-called “face neurons” are thought to be involved in face recognition behaviors such as face detection and face discrimination. While this view implies a causal role for face neurons in such behaviors, the main body of neurophysiological evidence to support it is only correlational. Here, I bring together evidence from electrical microstimulation, optogenetic and pharmacological intervention to bridge the gap between the neural spiking of IT face selective neurons and face perception.