Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Retinal Pigment Epithelium
The Retinal Pigment Epithelium (pronounced: ret-uh-nal pig-ment ep-i-thee-lee-um), often abbreviated as RPE, is a layer of cells that lies between the Retina and the Choroid in the Eye.
Etymology
The term "Retinal Pigment Epithelium" is derived from the Latin "retina" meaning "net", and the Greek "epithelium" meaning "on the nipple". The "pigment" part of the name refers to the melanin pigment found in these cells, which is crucial for the absorption of light.
Function
The primary function of the RPE is to support the Photoreceptor Cells in the retina. It does this by providing nutrients, removing waste products, and absorbing excess light to prevent scattering. The RPE also plays a role in the visual cycle, which is the process by which light is converted into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain.
Related Terms
- Retina: The light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the inner eye.
- Choroid: The vascular layer of the eye, containing connective tissues, and lying between the retina and the sclera.
- Photoreceptor Cells: The cells in the retina that respond to light.
Diseases and Disorders
Damage or dysfunction of the RPE can lead to several eye diseases, including Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Retinitis Pigmentosa, and Diabetic Retinopathy.
See Also
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