Complex cell

Complex Cell

Complex cell (pronounced: /kəmˈplɛks sɛl/) is a type of neuron in the visual system that is primarily found in the V1 area of the visual cortex. The term "complex cell" was first coined by David Hubel and Torsten Wiesel during their seminal work on the structure of the visual cortex.

Etymology

The term "complex cell" is derived from the complex nature of the cell's response properties. Unlike simple cells, which respond maximally to oriented edges and bars of a specific orientation, complex cells show a more complex response pattern.

Function

Complex cells, like simple cells, are tuned to specific orientations. However, unlike simple cells, complex cells respond to a stimulus of the correct orientation regardless of the exact location of the stimulus within the receptive field. This property is known as spatial invariance. Complex cells also exhibit a property known as direction selectivity, meaning they respond more strongly to movement of a stimulus in one direction than to the same stimulus moving in the opposite direction.

Related Terms

• Simple cell
• Receptive field
• Spatial invariance
• Direction selectivity
• Visual cortex
• Neuron

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Complex cell
• Wikipedia's article - Complex cell

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