Question

Our ability to see distinct edges as well as our errors in contrast perceptions (e.g., seeing Mach bands… bright and dark stripes when they are not present or seeing spots in the Hermann grid) depend on a process know as ______________________________ ______________________________ .

Answer 1

Hermann Grid or any other type of deceptive vision/perception falls under the category of Optical Illusion. This process takes place through a process of inhibition. This is known as lateral inhibition. In this process the group of receptors work.

The intensity of point in visual system becomes the outcome or result of working of group of receptors rather than a single receptor. An inhibitory process takes place in ganglion cells of retina of eye. Ganglion cells are associated with signal transmission from eyes to brain.

Their inhibitory action produces optical illusion. We concentrate on the black dot but our optical system keeps on filling the surrounding images also. This creates an optical illusion. This cause a visual perception only. It appears different from reality.

Our physical environment also play an important role in such optical illusion. Hence the blank can be filled with phrase "Lateral Inhibition of ganglion cells".