Parallel Processing

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The brain functions as the epicenter of the nervous system, similar to the way in which the nervous system acts as the command center of the body. The brain is believed to be the most complex organ in the entire body; with the cerebral cortex being the largest system of the brain. The cerebral cortex contains billions of neurons and the neurons are regulated by synapses which are responsible for communication between other neurons. The communication process of neurons is facilitated by the axon or axon fibers which relay signals or action potentials to the parts of the brain and body, generating either a motor or sensory response and in most cases both. A primary role that the brain serves is translating sensory information into bodily …show more content…

Parallel processing is the ability of the brain to carry out two simultaneous operations involving different stimuli. When it comes to vision, parallel processing results in the brain breaking down visual information into four areas: color, motion, shape, and depth. These areas are analyzed by the brain and the information is combined to form what an individual sees and understands. Recognition is the process by which the brain constructs the image and compares the image to stored memories and fully understands what is being viewed. Scene refers to the brains understanding of the surrounding environment and stimuli. Retinal processing is the communication of the photoreceptors with the bipolar cells, which connect with the ganglion cells and ganglion axons. The ganglion axons help form the optic nerve and carry information from the retina to the brain. Feature detecting is the process by which neurons known as feature detectors respond to visual stimuli in the surround environment, including lines and edges. These functions combine to shape how the brain responds and processes visual stimuli; both input and

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