Electrophysiology of the visual system Flashcards
When a photoreceptor becomes hyper-polarised (in light), how is the response transmitted throughout the photoreceptor to the synapse with the bipolar cell?
There is calcium influx along the length of the photoreceptor which is released at the synapse with Bipolar cells along with glutamate
What is an M (magnocellular) cell?
Large ganglion cell
What is a P (Parvocellular) cell?
Small ganglion cell
At which synapse are horizontal cells located?
At the synapse between photoreceptors and bipolar cells
At which synapse are amacrine cells present?
At the synapse between bipolar cells and ganglion cells
What percentage of all cones are long-medium (red-green wavelength) cones?
85%
How many cones must be stimulated for colour detection?
At least two, for wavelength discrimination
How is colour discriminated in the retina?
The stimulation of a blue (short wavelength cone) is compared to stimulation of a red-green (long) wavelength cone
Which photoreceptor detects dim light?
Rods
Which photoreceptor detects dim light?
Rods
Which photoreceptor detects bright light?
cones
Describe how rods connect to a ganglion cell
Rods connect indirectly to ganglion cells via cone bipolar cells
Multiple rods synapse with rod-bipolar cell which connects Amacrine II cells which connects to cone-bipolar cell which connects to ganglion cell
How are horizontal cells involved in isolating a stimulated photoreceptor?
Horizontal cells send a inhibitory stimulus to ganglion cells surrounding the stimulated photoreceptors
Are amacrine cells more numerous or horizontal cells?
Amacrine cells
How many types of amacrine cells are there?
29 types
Name some of the neurotransmitters used by Amacrine cells to modify the ganglion cell response.
Dopamine Glutamate Glycine Acetylcholine GABA