simple cell

a neuron, most commonly found in the striate cortex, that has a receptive field consisting of an elongated center region and two elongated flanking regions. The response of a simple cell to stimulation in the center of the receptive field is the opposite of its response to stimulation in the flanking zones. This means that a simple cell responds best to an edge or a bar of a particular width and with a particular direction and location in the visual field. Also called simple cortical cell. Compare complex cell.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

November 18th 2024

generalized seizure

a seizure in which abnormal electrical activity involves the entire brain rather than a specific focal area. The two most common forms are absence seizures and some tonic–clonic seizures.