Opponent Processes and Visual Perception

These flashcards cover the key concepts, theories, and mechanisms related to opponent processes, visual perception, and synaptic transmission as detailed in the lecture notes.

What is homeostasis?

A self-regulating process by which an organism maintains stability while adjusting to changing conditions.

What is the main theory proposed by Richard Solomon?

The opponent process theory, which states that every process with an affective balance is followed by a secondary opposite process.

What are the two types of vision that involve receptor cells in the retina?

Phototopic vision (cone-mediated) and scotopic vision (rod-mediated).

What is the function of the lateral geniculate nucleus?

It acts as a relay center in the thalamus for visual information received from the retina.

What is the distinction between rods and cones in the retina?

Rods are responsible for scotopic vision and are more numerous in the periphery, while cones are responsible for phototopic vision and are concentrated in the fovea.

What is lateral inhibition?

A process by which an excited neuron reduces the activity of its neighbors, enhancing contrast in perception.

What concept explains the inability to perceive certain color combinations, such as reddish-green?

Opponent-process theory, which posits that color perception is controlled by two opponent systems.

How does the opponent process theory relate to addiction?

It explains the cycle of binge/intoxication and withdrawal/negative effects in drug addiction, driven by the balance of positive and negative valence reactions.

What is the role of neurotransmitter-gated ion channels?

They mediate synaptic transmission by allowing ions to flow in and out of the neuron, generating excitatory or inhibitory postsynaptic potentials.

What does the distribution of rods and cones in the retina indicate about vision?

Rods are more prevalent towards the periphery for low-light vision, while cones, which support high acuity color vision, are concentrated in the center.