Spatial summation and contrast sensitivity of X and Y cells in the lateral geniculate nucleus of the macaque

摘要: Study of parallel processing in the visual pathway1 cat has revealed several classes retinal ganglion cells which are physiologically distinct and project to various locations brain2,3. Two have been studied most extensively: X cells, sum neural signals linearly over their receptive fields, Y spatial summation is nonlinear1,4. In cat's lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) also can be classified as or Y, a result projection inputs different neurones5–9. We report here our study signal LGN macaque monkey. find that (1) monkey on basis summation; (2) X-like found four parvocellular two magnocellular laminae, whereas Y-like almost exclusively laminae; (3) laminae high sensitivity low for homochromatic patterns. This implies monkeys cortical projections may vehicle contrast vision near threshold. The seem primarily concerned with wavelength discrimination patterns colour. As human system similar structure behavioural performance, findings probably applicable man.