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Inhibitory Interaction in the Retina of Limulus

  • Chapter
Physiology of Photoreceptor Organs

Part of the book series: Handbook of Sensory Physiology ((1536,volume 7 / 2))

Abstract

The interplay of excitation and inhibition lies at the foundation of nervous integrative function. Modern neurophysiology builds on Sherrington’s analysis of motor function, extending his concepts to all the sensory systems and to the infinite complexity of the higher nervous centers (cf. Granit, 1966). Antagonistic processes in vision recall Hering; the role of inhibition in vision was clearly recognized by Mach. Sherrington (1897) himself ventured into this field, but it was Granit’s work that played an essential role in introducing Sherringtonian concepts in the study of retinal function. “The retina is a nervous center” writes Granit, quoting Cajal, and this he proceeds to confirm, exhibiting the interplay of excitation and inhibition in the retinal action potential and in the unitary discharges of retinal ganglion cells.

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  1. New York, New York, USA

    Haldan K. Hartline & Floyd Ratliff

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  1. Haldan K. Hartline
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  2. Floyd Ratliff
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  1. National Institutes of Health, Room 2C02, Building 36, Bethesda, Maryland, 20014, USA

    M. G. F. Fuortes

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Hartline, H.K., Ratliff, F. (1972). Inhibitory Interaction in the Retina of Limulus. In: Fuortes, M.G.F. (eds) Physiology of Photoreceptor Organs. Handbook of Sensory Physiology, vol 7 / 2. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-65340-7_11

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