Detecting Contrast & Differences

Detecting Contrast & Differences

1. Receptive Field: Particular size/shape/location of cells earlier in the system that converge on given cells at later stages

   • This determines what the later neuron will respond to i.e. shape/size/wavelength and location
     • The response characteristics of neurons vary widely in complexity
       • Receptive field for different neurons may overlap and may be modified by experience

2. Receptive field characteristics change with successive levels of processing

   • Ganglion Cells: In the retina have centre surrond fields
     • Excitatory centres with inhibitory surround or vice versa
       • Response is determined by location of stimulus and shape ans size of stimulus
         • Difference in light intensity between centre and periphery