In order to maximally stimulate a retinal ganglion cell with an on-center receptive field, a spot of bright light should strike:
A) both the center and the surround of the entire receptive field.
B) the entire center of the receptive field without touching the surround.
C) only the surround of the receptive field.
D) neither the center nor the surround of the receptive field.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Retinal ganglion cells with on-center receptive fields are most strongly activated when light is focused on the center of their receptive field, without stimulating the surround. This is because the center and surround have opposite responses to light, with the center being excited by light and the surround being inhibited by it.

In Order to Maximally Stimulate a Retinal Ganglion Cell with an On-Center