Stephen Kuffler's experiments revealed that retinal ganglion cells typically have a circular receptive field, are either excited or inhibited by light by the pattern of light falling on photoreceptors in their receptive field, and are described as on-center or off-center in accordance with their responses.Which of the following light stimuli falling on the receptive field of a ganglion cell would maximally stimulate an on-center ganglion cell?
A) Complete darkness
B) A spot of light falling on the center of the receptive field
C) A light covering the entire receptive field
D) A ring of light directed at the surround portion of the receptive field
E) A large spot covering the entire receptive field alternating with dark pulses

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

On-center ganglion cells are maximally stimulated by a spot of light falling on the center of their receptive field, while the surround is relatively dark. This is because the center of the receptive field excites the ganglion cell, while the surrounding region inhibits it.

Stephen Kuffler's Experiments Revealed That Retinal Ganglion Cells Typically Have