Retina and Bipolar Cells Function

These flashcards cover key terms related to the function of the retina, specifically focusing on photoreceptors, bipolar cells, and ganglion cells.

Photoreceptors

Cells in the retina that hyperpolarize to light and depolarize in the dark.

Glutamate

A neurotransmitter released by photoreceptors in the dark.

OFF bipolar cells

Bipolar cells that possess ionotropic glutamate receptors and depolarize in the dark.

ON bipolar cells

Bipolar cells that express metabotropic glutamate receptors mGluR6 and hyperpolarize in the dark.

mGluR6

A metabotropic glutamate receptor linked to G protein, responsible for hyperpolarization in ON bipolar cells.

Inner Plexiform Layer (IPL)

The layer in the retina where ON and OFF signaling happens through amacrine and ganglion cells.

Ganglion cells

Retinal cells that receive signals from bipolar cells and transmit them to the brain.

Receptive field

The specific area of the visual field that a ganglion cell responds to.

Asymmetry in temporal aspects

Differences in the response timing of ON and OFF ganglion cells.