key term - Bipolar cells

Definition

Bipolar cells are a type of neuron found in the retina of the eye, acting as intermediaries between photoreceptors (rods and cones) and ganglion cells. They play a critical role in the processing of visual information by transmitting signals from the photoreceptors to the ganglion cells, which then carry the information to the brain.

Related terms

Photoreceptors:

Specialized neurons in the retina that convert light into electrical signals which can then be processed by the nervous system.

Ganglion Cells:

Neurons located in the retina that receive visual information from bipolar cells and transmit it through their axons to the brain via the optic nerve.

Retina:

The light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that contains photoreceptors, bipolar cells, and ganglion cells among others; it plays a crucial role in converting light into neural signals for vision