Refer to the figure, which shows the rate of action potentials in a ganglion cell. The rate of action potentials in the ganglion cell being monitored is highest when
A) a small spot of light is delivered to the center of the receptive field.
B) the receptive field is in complete darkness.
C) the entire receptive field is presented with a large spot of light.
D) light outside of the receptive field is delivered.
E) a ring of light excluding the center of the receptive field is delivered.

Question

Refer to the figure, which shows the rate of action potentials in a ganglion cell.  The rate of action potentials in the ganglion cell being monitored is highest when
A) a small spot of light is delivered to the center of the receptive field. 
B) the receptive field is in complete darkness. 
C) the entire receptive field is presented with a large spot of light. 
D) light outside of the receptive field is delivered. 
E) a ring of light excluding the center of the receptive field is delivered.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rate of action potentials in a ganglion cell is highest when a small spot of light is delivered to the center of the receptive field. This is due to the fact that ganglion cells have center-surround receptive fields, where the center responds differently than the surrounding area. In this case, the center responds maximally to the small spot of light, causing the highest rate of action potentials.

Refer to the Figure, Which Shows the Rate of Action