Complex cells are primarily responsible for which type of information?

Complex cells play a crucial role in the visual processing system, particularly within the primary visual cortex (V1). Their primary responsibility is to integrate information about the orientation and movement of objects in the visual field. Unlike simple cells, which respond to specific edges and orientations of stationary stimuli, complex cells are less sensitive to the exact position of a stimulus within their receptive field. Instead, they can respond to the orientation of a stimulus that moves within that field, allowing for the perception of motion and direction.

The capacity of complex cells to respond to dynamic stimuli makes them essential for interpreting complex visual scenes. This ability to process orientation and movement is fundamental for tasks such as tracking moving objects, navigating through environments, and understanding the relationships between different elements in a visual context. Therefore, the core function of complex cells aligns with the type of information regarding orientation and movement rather than static dimensions like color or brightness contrast.