Blobs are sections of the visual cortex where groups of neurons that are sensitive to color assemble in cylindrical shapes. They were first identified in 1979 by Margaret Wong-Riley when she used a
cytochrome oxidase stain, from which they get their name. These areas receive input from
parvocellular cells in layer 4Cß of the
primary visual cortex and output to the thin stripes of area
V2.
Interblobs are areas between blobs which receive the same input, but are sensitive to
orientation instead of color. They output to the pale stripes of area V2.