Update 2024 (Graded A+)
bottom-up processing - Answers Takes the basic sensory components of an object and adds them to
identity what it is
top-down processing - Answers information processing guided by higher-level mental processes, as
when we construct perceptions drawing on our experience, expectations, and memories
Akinetopsia - Answers Disorder in which patient is unable to see objects in motion - as if they're lagging
in time.
Lens - Answers Structure in the eye that focuses light rays on the retina, along with the cornea.
Surrounded by a band of muscle. When muscle tightens, lens buldges (nearby objects). When muscle
relaxes, lens flattens (far objects).
Retina - Answers Light sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eyeball
Photoreceptors - Answers Specialized neural cells that respond directly to incoming light. 2 types: rods
and cones
Rods - Answers Photoreceptors that are sensitive to low levels of light and play an essential role for
moving in semidarkness. Can distinguish between intensities of light, but not colour. None in fovea,
mostly periphery
Cones - Answers Photoreceptors that are less sensitive than rods and need more incoming light to
operate. Sensitive to colour. mostly in fovea, none in periphery
Acuity - Answers Ability to see fine detail. Much higher in cones than rods.
Color Vision Theory - Answers color perception occurs through three kinds of cones and their response
(S,M,L) color you see is perceived by the activation of these 3 types of cones
Lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) - Answers In the thalamus. Receives information from the optic nerve
and transmit it to the primary projection area for vision in the occipital lobe.
Edge enhancement - Answers a process by which the visual system makes edges as visible as possible
because of the lateral inhibition of cells in the middle by outer cells
Mach bands - Answers Perception of a thin dark band on the dark side of a light-dark border and a thin
light band on the light side of the border. These bands are an illusion because they occur even though
corresponding intensity changes do not exist. Caused by edge enhancement.
Single-cell recording - Answers A technique through which investigators can record the pattern of
electrical changes within a single neuron, moment by moment