Horizontal fissure

Horizontal cell is a type of neuron found in the retina of the eye. They are involved in the process of visual perception, specifically in the integration and regulation of signals from photoreceptor cells.

Function

Horizontal cells receive input from multiple photoreceptor cells and provide feedback to these cells, helping to regulate their output. This feedback mechanism is crucial for the process of lateral inhibition, which enhances the contrast between light and dark areas in the visual field and helps to sharpen the perceived image.

Structure

There are two main types of horizontal cells: H1 and H2. H1 cells are connected to cone cells, while H2 cells are connected to both cone cells and rod cells. The dendrites of horizontal cells form synapses with the photoreceptor cells, and their axons form synapses with bipolar cells and other horizontal cells.

Role in Disease

Abnormalities in horizontal cells can lead to various eye diseases. For example, mutations in the gene that encodes for the protein connexin 57, which is expressed in horizontal cells, have been associated with macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss.

See Also

• Retina
• Photoreceptor cell
• Visual perception
• Lateral inhibition
• Eye diseases