(Read about each image and then scroll down to the next one)
The image below consists of bands of different shades of gray. The left edge of each band (right next to a lighter gray) may appear a little darker than the rest of the band. Similarly, the right edge of each band may (right next to a darker gray) may appear a little lighter. However, the bands are actually the same shade of gray across the whole band. The apparent differences in shade help to enhance the borders, and are caused by lateral inhibition. (Scroll down.)
This image depicts how the bands would look without lateral inhibition to enhance the borders.
This image depicts what really happens (the border IS enhanced) because of lateral inhibition.
