Ganglion cells
Ganglion Cells
Ganglion cells (pronunciation: /ˈɡæŋɡliən/ cells) are a type of neuron located in the retina that play a crucial role in the visual system. They are the final output neurons of the vertebrate retina, and their axons form the optic nerve.
Etymology
The term "ganglion" is derived from the Greek word "ganglion," which means "knot" or "swelling." This is in reference to the appearance of ganglia, which are clusters of nerve cell bodies.
Function
Ganglion cells receive visual information from photoreceptor cells via bipolar cells. They process this information and send it to the brain through the optic nerve. There are several types of ganglion cells, each responsible for transmitting different types of visual information such as color, contrast, and motion.
Types of Ganglion Cells
There are several types of ganglion cells, including:
- Midget cells: These cells are responsible for transmitting high-resolution color information.
- Parasol cells: These cells are responsible for detecting motion and contrast.
- Photosensitive ganglion cells: These cells are involved in the regulation of circadian rhythms and pupil size.
Related Terms
- Retina: The light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the inner eye.
- Neuron: A nerve cell that is the basic building block of the nervous system.
- Optic nerve: The nerve that transmits visual information from the retina to the brain.
- Photoreceptor cells: Cells in the retina that convert light into electrical signals.
- Bipolar cells: A type of neuron in the retina that connects photoreceptors to ganglion cells.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ganglion cells
- Wikipedia's article - Ganglion cells
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