Simultaneous determination of directional tuning of complex cells in cat striate cortex for bar and for texture motion.

A method is described for the simultaneous determination of directional tuning of cat striate cortical complex cells for two dissimilar stimuli. Reliable pairs of tuning curves for typically four round-the-clock sequences of the two interleaved stimuli (direction stepped by 10 degrees) can be derived in approximately 10 min, including on-line plotting of data. Large numbers of comparisons are thus possible, including the evaluation of long-term fluctuations in cortical responsiveness. Assessment of over 300 pairs of directional tuning curves for motion bar and textured stimuli extends and entirely confirms earlier data.