[Heterogeneity of a neuron population with complex receptive fields in the visual cortex of costs]

Visual responses of the striate complex cells to stimuli orientation, direction and velocity of movement were studied in awakening, unanesthetized cats. "Complex" cells were divided into four groups according to the response characteristics which were obtained using a stationary slit, moving light spot and moving oriented stimulus. The first group units response characteristics suggest the presence of the orientation selectivity mechanism in their receptive field organization, the fourth group--the direction selectivity mechanisms, the second and third groups--the presence of both mechanisms. It is supposed that there are two separate mechanisms for coding the orientation and direction of the stimulus movement in the neuronal structures of the visual cortex.