Question

7. Describe the role of lateral inhibition in sensation. How does this relate to the on center off surround in the retina?

Answer 1

Lateral inhibition is the phenomenon in which activity of the neighbouring neurons are reduced by the excited neurons.Action potential does not reach the lateral neurons from excited neurons. therefore, cells in the center of the retina which sense light sends signal to the brain, whereas peripheral retina which does not sense any light and hence dark signals are sent to the brain as horizontal cells on the retina could not get activated due to lateral inhibition.