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refractory period

a period of inactivity after a neuron or muscle cell has undergone excitation. As the cell is being repolarized, it will not respond to any stimulus during the early part of the refractory period, called the absolute refractory period. In the subsequent relative refractory period, it will respond only to a stronger than normal stimulus.

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Psychology term of the day

April 29th 2024

blind spot

blind spot

1. in vision, the area of the monocular visual field in which stimulation cannot be perceived because the image falls on the site of the optic disk in the eye.

2. a lack of insight or awareness—often persistent—about a specific area of one’s behavior or personality, typically because recognition of one’s true feelings and motives would be painful. In classical psychoanalysis, it is regarded as a defense against recognition of repressed impulses or memories that would threaten the patient’s ego. See scotomization.