Final answer:
The dorsal stream in conscious visual processing is involved in the perception of motion and guiding movements based on visual stimuli, as it connects the occipital lobe to the parietal lobe and influences motor functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dorsal stream is a part of the visual processing system in the brain that focuses on the perception of visual motion and the coordination of movements in response to visual stimuli. Specifically, it involves connections between cortical areas from the occipital lobe to the parietal lobe. This stream interacts with somatosensory areas in the parietal lobe, influential in perceiving the body and its movements, and can affect motor functions that originate in the frontal lobe.
The dorsal stream assists in locating objects in space and guides bodily movements in reaction to what is seen. As visual information is processed, the dorsal stream sends outputs to areas that together influence motor responses. Contrasting with the dorsal stream is the ventral stream, which heads into the temporal lobe to identify visual stimuli and contribute to memory formation. In essence, the dorsal stream is crucial for spatial awareness and visual-motor coordination.