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Ocular dominance columns in the left V1 alternate between inputs from the left and right eyes.

a. True
b. False

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The statement about ocular dominance columns alternating between inputs from the left and right eyes in the left V1 is true. These columns are essential for integrating visual information from both eyes to form a complete visual perception.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that ocular dominance columns in the left V1 alternate between inputs from the left and right eyes is true. Ocular dominance columns are a pattern in the visual cortex (specifically V1) where a column of neurons will have a propensity to respond to one eye more than the other. Due to how visual information is processed in the brain, signals from each eye segregate into different layers once they reach the visual cortex. The system of ocular dominance is set up such that inputs from both eyes are necessary for a full representation of the visual field.

Here's a basic explanation of how it works: In both eyes, the axons from the medial (or inner) parts of the retina cross over at the optic chiasm to the opposite hemisphere of the brain, while axons from the lateral (or outer) part do not cross and project to the same side of the brain. Therefore, the left visual field (seen by both the right medial and left lateral retina) is processed in the right hemisphere of the brain, while the right visual field (seen by both the left medial and right lateral retina) is processed in the left hemisphere of the brain. Once in the visual cortex, these alternating ocular dominance columns help integrate the separate left and right eye inputs to create a cohesive visual scene.

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