PSYCH 15 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Visual Cortex, Lateral Geniculate Nucleus, Retinotopy
Document Summary
Light enters the eye and reaches the retina. No species can see in dark, but some can see with little light. Humans can see light with wavelengths 380-760 nm on the electromagnetic spectrum. Light enters through pupil--size changes to changes in illumination. Sensitivity: ability to see in dim light. Ciliary muscles alter shape of lens as needed. Accommodation: process of adjusting lens to bring images into focus. Binocular disparity: difference between images on 2 retinas. Both are greater when objects are closer--gives brain 3d image and distance info. 2 front-facing eyes: better depth perception (better for predators--hunting) Eyes on side: wider vision (better for prey--escape) Retina and translation of light into neural signals. Retina is inside out --light passes through several layers before receptors. Vertical pathway: receptors bipolar cells retinal ganglion cells. Blind spot: no receptors where info exits eye. Visual system uses information from cells around blind spot to fill in blind spot (completion)
