Field

Definition

A field in biology refers to the area of space or range over which a biological process, such as sensory perception, occurs. It often involves the spatial extent within which stimuli can be detected by sensory receptors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The receptive field of a neuron is the specific region where stimuli will activate it.
2. Receptive fields can vary in size and sensitivity depending on the type of sensory receptor.
3. Lateral inhibition sharpens the response of neurons within their receptive fields.
4. Multiple receptive fields can overlap, allowing for more precise sensory information processing.
5. Receptive fields are critical for understanding how organisms perceive their environment.

Review Questions

• What is a receptive field and how does it relate to sensory neurons?
• How does lateral inhibition affect the perception within a receptive field?
• Why is the concept of overlapping receptive fields important in sensory processing?

Related terms

Neuron: A cell that transmits nerve impulses.

Receptor:

A specialized cell or group of nerve endings that responds to sensory stimuli.

Lateral Inhibition: A process in which activated neurons inhibit the activity of nearby neurons to enhance contrast in sensory input.