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ocular dominance column

a vertical slab of striate cortex in which the neurons are preferentially responsive to stimulation through one of the two eyes. It is important for binocular vision. Ocular dominance columns for each eye alternate in a regular pattern, so that an electrode inserted tangentially to the cortical surface encounters neurons that are responsive to stimulation through first the ipsilateral eye, then the contralateral eye, then back to the ipsilateral eye; vertical electrode penetration of one column encounters neurons in all layers in which the response is dominated by stimulation through the same eye. Compare orientation column. See also monocular rearing. [first described in the 1960s by U.S. neurophysiologist David Hubel (1926–2013) and Swedish neurophysiologist Torsten Wiesel (1924–  )]

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Psychology term of the day

May 9th 2024

sociocultural deprivation

sociocultural deprivation

see psychosocial deprivation.