An on-center/off-surround cell responds most strongly when
A) both its the center and surround are illuminated.
B) a spot of light illuminates part of its center.
C) the center of its receptive field is illuminated.
D) a spot of light illuminates part of its surround.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An on-center/off-surround cell has a receptive field that is divided into two regions – a central region and a surrounding region – that are antagonistic to each other. When the center of its receptive field is illuminated (and the surrounding region is not), the cell will have its strongest response. When the surround is illuminated (and the center is not), the cell will have a weaker response, and when both the center and surround are illuminated, the cell's response will be relatively weak. Thus, the correct choice is C, the center of its receptive field is illuminated.

An On-Center/off-Surround Cell Responds Most Strongly When