Final answer:
Lateral inhibition is a process where nearby neurons inhibit the activity of their neighboring neurons. In visual perception, it helps the brain find edges of objects by enhancing contrast between adjacent regions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lateral inhibition is a process in which nearby neurons inhibit the activity of their neighboring neurons. In the context of visual perception, this mechanism helps the brain find edges of objects by enhancing the contrast between adjacent regions.
When light stimulates a group of photoreceptor cells in the retina, the cells in the center of the group become more active, while the cells on the periphery become less active due to lateral inhibition. This creates a sharper distinction between light and dark regions, allowing the brain to detect edges and contours.
For example, when you see a black letter on a white background, lateral inhibition reduces the activity of the neurons in the surrounding white area, making the letter appear more distinct. This enhances edge detection and helps the brain process visual information more effectively.