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Multiple Choice
What is responsible for sharpening contrast at visual borders?
A
Retinal convergence
B
Lateral inhibition
C
Optic chiasm
D
Photoreceptor adaptation
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the concept of visual processing in the retina. The retina is responsible for converting light into neural signals, which are then processed by the brain to form visual images.
Learn about the role of lateral inhibition in the retina. Lateral inhibition is a process that enhances the contrast at visual borders by inhibiting the activity of neighboring neurons. This helps in distinguishing edges and fine details in the visual field.
Explore how lateral inhibition works. When a photoreceptor is stimulated by light, it activates the surrounding horizontal cells, which then inhibit the activity of adjacent photoreceptors. This inhibition creates a sharper contrast between areas of light and dark.
Understand the importance of lateral inhibition in visual perception. It allows the visual system to detect edges and contours more effectively, contributing to clearer and more defined images.
Consider other processes mentioned, such as retinal convergence, optic chiasm, and photoreceptor adaptation, and understand their roles in visual processing. However, lateral inhibition is specifically responsible for sharpening contrast at visual borders.