Outer nuclear layer
Outer Nuclear Layer
The Outer Nuclear Layer (ONL), pronounced as /ˈaʊtər ˈnjuːklɪər ˈleɪər/, is a layer in the retina of the eye that contains the cell bodies of the photoreceptor cells, which are responsible for converting light into electrical signals. The term "outer nuclear layer" is derived from the Latin words "outer" meaning "external", "nuclear" referring to "pertaining to a nucleus", and "layer" meaning "a sheet or quantity of material covering a surface".
The outer nuclear layer is located between the outer plexiform layer and the inner segment layer. It is one of the ten distinct layers of the retina, and it plays a crucial role in the process of vision.
Structure
The outer nuclear layer is composed of the cell bodies of two types of photoreceptor cells: rods and cones. These cells are named for their distinctive shapes, and they have different functions in vision. Rods are responsible for vision in low light conditions, while cones are responsible for color vision and detail.
Function
The primary function of the outer nuclear layer is to house the cell bodies of the photoreceptor cells. These cells convert light into electrical signals that are then transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve. This process is known as phototransduction.
Related Terms
- Retina: The light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the inner eye.
- Photoreceptor Cells: Specialized type of neuron found in the retina that is capable of phototransduction.
- Rods: Photoreceptor cells in the retina of the eye that provide vision in low light conditions.
- Cones: Photoreceptor cells in the retina of the eye that provide color vision and detail.
- Phototransduction: The process by which light is converted into electrical signals in the rod cells, cone cells and photosensitive ganglion cells of the retina of the eye.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Outer nuclear layer
- Wikipedia's article - Outer nuclear layer
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