Visual Neurons and Perception

Visual Neurons

Cells in eyes, thalamus, brain responding to light stimulus

Contralateral Processing

Brain's left side processes info from right space

Visual Perception

Brain's interpretation of visual stimuli

Neighboring Cells

Cells further apart respond differently

Visual Receptors

Cells in eyes converting light to neural signals

Visual Field

Area visible in front of a person

Visual Sensitivity

Neurons' ability to detect light levels

Visual Acuity

Resolution of vision, high in humans due to cones

Visual Transduction

Conversion of light energy to neural activity

Binocular Disparity

Difference in retinal images aiding depth perception

Fovea

Central area of retina with highest visual detail

Blind Spot

Area next to fovea lacking photoreceptors

Optic Nerve

Transmits converted signals to the brain

Photoreceptors

Cells in retina converting light to neural signals

Cones

Photoreceptors for color vision in bright light

Rods

Photoreceptors for black and white vision in dim light

Convergence Ratio

Abundance of cones in the fovea

Scotoma

Blind area caused by visual system damage

Perceptual Completion

Filling in missing visual stimuli by the brain

Blindsight

Ability to respond to stimuli in blind spots

Saccades

Eye movements aiding visual perception

Retina-geniculate-striate Pathway

Primary visual information processing route

Lateral Geniculate Nucleus

Subcortical nuclei carrying visual signals to cortex

Primary Visual Cortex

First stage of visual processing in the brain

Visual Organization

Topographical arrangement of visual system

Hubel & Wiesel

Scientists studying visual neurons' activity patterns