The initial establishment of ocular dominance columns _______, while ocular dominance column plasticity during the critical period _______.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The initial establishment of ocular dominance columns does not rely much on visual experience; it is largely genetically and molecularly determined. However, the plasticity of these columns during the critical period (a phase early in an organism's development when the nervous system is especially sensitive to certain environmental stimuli) relies heavily on visual experience. This is when the visual system is fine-tuning its connections based on visual input, and deprivation of such input (e.g., through one eye) can lead to permanent changes in the visual cortex's organization.

The Initial Establishment of Ocular Dominance Columns _______, While Ocular