Final answer:
Interneurons are responsible for establishing an excitatory center and inhibitory surround in the receptive field, affecting the firing of neighboring neurons. This balance determines whether a neuron will generate an action potential or not.
Step-by-step explanation:
Interneurons are a type of neuron that play a crucial role in regulating the activity of neuronal networks in the brain. They are responsible for establishing an excitatory center and inhibitory surround in the receptive field, which affects the firing of neighboring neurons. The balance between excitatory and inhibitory inputs determines whether a neuron will generate an action potential or not.
For example, in the visual cortex, interneurons have receptive fields that consist of a central area known as the excitatory center, surrounded by an inhibitory surround. When light falls on the excitatory center, it activates the interneuron and leads to the excitation of neighboring pyramidal neurons, enhancing the perception of visual stimuli. Conversely, when light falls on the inhibitory surround, it inhibits the interneuron and reduces the excitation of neighboring pyramidal neurons, decreasing the perception of visual stimuli.