Final answer:
The goal of dorsal stream pathways is to process visual motion and spatial awareness, guiding the movement of the body in relation to visual information. It is a crucial component of the "where/how pathway," contrasting with the "what pathway" of the ventral stream, which focuses on object identification.
Step-by-step explanation:
The goal of all dorsal stream pathways is intimately associated with the processing of visual information, particularly in relation to determining where objects are in space and how one might interact with these objects. This pathway, which involves connections between cortical areas from the occipital lobe to the parietal lobes, is responsible for the perception of visual motion and guiding the movement of the body in response to that motion. Information from the dorsal stream enters the parietal lobe, where it interacts with somatosensory cortical areas important for our perception of the body and its movements, ultimately influencing motor function in the frontal lobe.
Furthermore, the dorsal stream is distinguished from the ventral stream, which connects the occipital lobe and the temporal lobe and is involved in the identification of visual stimuli, termed the "what pathway". In contrast, the dorsal stream is often referred to as the "where/how pathway". This segregation of visual processing allows for specialized functions within the brain, with the ventral stream playing a critical role in visual object recognition, while the dorsal stream coordinates visual-spatial awareness and motor response.