Receptive-field structure in cat striate cortex.

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Abstract
Receptive-field structure of 257 cat striate neurons was investigated using the peristimulus time response-plane technique of Stevens and Gerstein. The spatiotemporal distribution of excitatory and inhibitory responses to a small spot of light turned on and off was determined. Simple and complex cells, defined according to the criteria of Hubel and Wiesel were easily distinguished on the basis of their response planes. These basic cell types were further subdivided into distinct groups based on the number and spatial distribution of discrete regions where an excitatory response was elicited. In this way, 4 types of simple cells and 2 types of complex cells were encountered. The groups accounted for 96% of the orientation-selective cells. There was considerable variation in the receptive-field structure of simple cells in any group according to the spatial distribution of regions where an inhibitory response was elicited. Inhibitory regions were rarely found in the receptive fields of complex cells. There was considerable variation in the temporal aspects of the responses. In spite of this, simple and complex cells could usually be distinguished on the basis of the time course of their responses; most simple cells exhibited a prolonged discharge whereas most complex cells exhibited a very transient burst at light on and/or light off. The data are discussed in terms of serial and parallel models of geniculocortical convergence of X- and Y-cells.