BIO SCI 35 Lecture 8: Bio Sci 35 Lecture 8: Perception

• School: UC-Irvine
• Department: Biological Sciences
• Course: BIO SCI 35
• Professor: Andrea Nicholas

Document Summary

Light coming from object - focused by the visual system -> projected to back of eyeball. Retina - contains light sensing cells that turns the light into neural signals. Optic nerve - where the signals are sent down. First recordings of light sensations in the retina. Inserted thin metal electrode to the retina - recorded electrical discharges (send signals/action potentials) He could record the neurons while showing animals images. Center-surround antagonism of light responses in retinal output neurons (ganglion cells) When he shined the light at a certain area in the middle, activated the neurons. When he shined the light a little bit to the side, it suppressed the neural activity. Light in the middle activates neurons / light on the outside area suppresses neurons. When the tectorial membrane vibrates and deflects the outer hair cell tips. These spring-like action reinforces the vibration of the tectorial membrane.