Simple cortical cells:

• Respond best to an edge or line with a particular width, orientation, and location in the visual field
• Receive input from a group of LGN cells
• Respond best to a bar of light

Complex cortical cells:

• Respond best to an edge or line with a particular width and orientation anywhere within a larger area of the visual field
• Recieve input from a group of simple cortical cells
• Respond best to a moving bar of light