The study investigates the distinct spatial frequency sensitivities in the processing of faces and emotional fearful expressions using event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in humans. The results show that the fusiform cortex, which is crucial for face processing, responds more to high spatial frequency (HSF) and intact or high-spatial-frequency (HSF) face stimuli than to low spatial frequency (LSF) faces, regardless of emotional expression. In contrast, the amygdala, which is known to respond to fearful expressions, shows greater responses to LSF faces than to HSF faces. Additionally, the study finds that repeating the same face identity produces distinct effects in the fusiform cortex as a function of spatial frequency content, while the amygdala remains 'blind' to fear in HSF faces. These findings suggest that the amygdala and ventral visual cortex receive different types of visual inputs, with the amygdala receiving coarse, rapid fear-related information through subcortical pathways, while the fusiform cortex processes detailed facial information through cortical pathways.The study investigates the distinct spatial frequency sensitivities in the processing of faces and emotional fearful expressions using event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in humans. The results show that the fusiform cortex, which is crucial for face processing, responds more to high spatial frequency (HSF) and intact or high-spatial-frequency (HSF) face stimuli than to low spatial frequency (LSF) faces, regardless of emotional expression. In contrast, the amygdala, which is known to respond to fearful expressions, shows greater responses to LSF faces than to HSF faces. Additionally, the study finds that repeating the same face identity produces distinct effects in the fusiform cortex as a function of spatial frequency content, while the amygdala remains 'blind' to fear in HSF faces. These findings suggest that the amygdala and ventral visual cortex receive different types of visual inputs, with the amygdala receiving coarse, rapid fear-related information through subcortical pathways, while the fusiform cortex processes detailed facial information through cortical pathways.