<p>The question is self-explanatory (I hope).</p>

<p>Is this trait unique to humans?  </p>

<p>Does the direction of the unfocused gaze indicate anything about which physical part of the brain is being utilized?</p>

<p>Is the hippocampus physically linked to the optic nerve and muscles surrounding the eye?</p>

<p>Is this effect related to other phenomena that are life threatening and deprive areas of the body and/or perception deemed unnecessary for survival?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-10-10T10:35:31.867Z
It also happens when people are trying to solve a mental problem (like doing arithmetic in the head), not just when they're memorizing something. I've read that most people will look upwards and to the left when doing this, but I don't know about the neurophysiological reasons behind it.
Ana
<perception><memory><vision><visualization>
Why do humans' eyes enter an unfocused gaze when recalling a memory or imagining something?
CheeseConQueso
# Why do humans' eyes enter an unfocused gaze when recalling a memory or imagining something?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2013-10-09)

The question is self-explanatory (I hope).

Is this trait unique to humans?

Does the direction of the unfocused gaze indicate anything about which physical part of the brain is being utilized?

Is the hippocampus physically linked to the optic nerve and muscles surrounding the eye?

Is this effect related to other phenomena that are life threatening and deprive areas of the body and/or perception deemed unnecessary for survival?

**Tags:** perception, memory, vision, visualization

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: It also happens when people are trying to solve a mental problem (like doing arithmetic in the head), not just when they're memorizing something. I've read that most people will look upwards and to the left when doing this, but I don't know about the neurophysiological reasons behind it.  

---

## 0 answers

