The ganglionic layer in the retina refers to the layer of cells that form the innermost layer of the retina. It is spelled as "ganglionic" with a hard "g" sound and is pronounced as /ɡæŋɡliˈɑnɪk/, where the "g" is pronounced with the tongue pressed against the back of the throat. The "an" portion of the word is pronounced as /æn/ and the "ic" portion is pronounced as /ɪk/. This layer is responsible for sending signals to the brain through the optic nerve.
The term "ganglionic layer" refers to a specific anatomical layer within the retina of the eye, featuring a high concentration of ganglion cells. The retina is a light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye responsible for converting incoming light into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain for visual recognition. Within the retina, there are several distinct layers, each serving a unique function.
The ganglionic layer, situated closest to the front of the retina, is primarily composed of ganglion cells, which are the output neurons of the retina. These cells receive input from the preceding layers, including the photoreceptor cells, bipolar cells, and amacrine cells. The ganglion cells process and combine this visual information before transmitting it through their axons, which form the optic nerve and convey the information to the brain.
The ganglionic layer is key in encoding and transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain. In addition to serving as the final stage for processing visual signals before they leave the eye, it also plays a role in the regulation of basic visual functions, such as contrast sensitivity and spatial resolution. Damage or dysfunction within the ganglionic layer can lead to vision impairments or disorders, such as glaucoma or optic neuropathy, which affect the transmission of visual information from the eye to the brain.
(1) A layer of large cells in the cerebral cortex; (2) stratum ganglionare.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "ganglionic" derives from the Latin word "ganglion", which means "swelling" or "tumor". In anatomy, a ganglion refers to a mass of nerve cells. The suffix "-ic" denotes "relating to" or "pertaining to". Therefore, "ganglionic" describes something that is related to or associated with ganglia.
The term "layer" comes from the Middle English word "leier", which ultimately traces back to the Old English word "loge", meaning "stratum" or "bed". In anatomy, a layer refers to a sheet, plate, or level of tissue. It is often used to describe the arrangement or composition of tissues or cells.
Combining the terms, the etymology of "ganglionic layer" suggests a specific sheet or level of tissue that pertains to or consists of nerve cells or ganglia.