Retinal ganglion cells
Retinal Ganglion Cells
Retinal ganglion cells (pronunciation: /rɛˈtaɪnəl ˈɡæŋgliən sɛlz/) are a type of neuron located near the inner surface of the retina of the eye. They receive visual information from photoreceptor cells via two intermediate neuron types: bipolar cells and amacrine cells.
Etymology
The term "retinal ganglion cells" is derived from the following components: "retinal" comes from the Latin word "retina", which refers to the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the inner eye. "Ganglion" is derived from the Greek word "ganglion", meaning "knot", referring to the knot-like appearance of these cells. "Cells" is a term used in biology to refer to the basic structural and functional units of all known living organisms.
Function
Retinal ganglion cells are responsible for transmitting visual signals from the retina to the brain. They play a crucial role in the visual pathway, which begins with the absorption of light by the photoreceptors, and ends with the perception of images in the brain's visual cortex.
Types
There are several types of retinal ganglion cells, including:
- Midget cells: These cells are responsible for transmitting information about color and fine detail.
- Parasol cells: These cells are responsible for transmitting information about motion.
- Melanopsin-containing ganglion cells: These cells are involved in the regulation of circadian rhythms and the pupillary light reflex.
Related Terms
- Optic nerve: The bundle of nerve fibers that transmits visual information from the retina to the brain.
- Glaucoma: A group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often caused by abnormally high pressure in your eye.
- Visual field: The total area in which objects can be seen in the side (peripheral) vision while you focus your eyes on a central point.
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