External limiting membrane

The External limiting membrane (pronunciation: ex-ter-nal lim-it-ing mem-brane) is a layer of the retina that is not actually a membrane, but a series of junctions known as zonula adherens that connect the Müller cells to the photoreceptor cells in the eye.

Etymology

The term "External limiting membrane" is derived from its location in the retina. It is called "external" because it is closer to the outer surface of the retina, and "limiting" because it forms a boundary within the retinal layers. The term "membrane" is a misnomer as it is not a true membrane.

Structure

The External limiting membrane is located towards the outer surface of the retina, between the inner nuclear layer and the outer nuclear layer. It is composed of a series of junctions known as zonula adherens, which connect the Müller cells to the photoreceptor cells. These junctions help to maintain the structural integrity of the retina and play a role in nutrient transport to the photoreceptor cells.

Function

The primary function of the External limiting membrane is to provide structural support to the retina and to facilitate the transport of nutrients to the photoreceptor cells. It also plays a role in maintaining the spatial organization of the photoreceptor cells, which is crucial for proper visual function.

Related Terms

Retina: The light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the inner eye.
Müller cells: A type of glial cell that maintains the structural and functional stability of the retina.
Photoreceptor cells: The cells in the retina that respond to light.
Zonula adherens: A type of cell junction that connects epithelial cells.
Inner nuclear layer: A layer of the retina that contains the cell bodies of the bipolar cells, horizontal cells, and amacrine cells.
Outer nuclear layer: A layer of the retina that contains the cell bodies of the photoreceptor cells.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on External limiting membrane
Wikipedia's article - External limiting membrane

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External limiting membrane