THE OFF/ON-RATIO OF THE ISOLATED ON-OFF-ELEMENTS IN THE MAMMALIAN EYE

Abstract

0f the retinal elements, the on-elements respond to light with a stream of impulses, the off-elements with a discharge upon the cessation of stimulation, and the on.off-elements combine these 2 properties. There is enormous variation in off/on ratios. In general, variation in off/on ratios improves discrimination. Data are cited and theories offered for interpretation of the variation in the off/on ratios.