Inside Retinal Layers

The nuclei of the Müller cells lie in the inner nuclear layer, whereas the nuclei of the photoreceptors lie in the outer nuclear layer.

· The nerve fiber layer contains the axons of the ganglion cells.

· The inner plexiform layer has axons of the bipolar and amacrine cells and the synapses of the ganglion cells.

· The outer plexiform layer has connections between the photoreceptors, horizontal cells, and bipolar cells.

· The footplates of the Müller cells form the internal limiting membrane.

· cell bodies whose processes project into the lateral geniculate and pretectal nuclei àganglion cell layer

· Müller's cell nuclei à inner nuclear layer

· Photoreceptors nuclei à Outer nuclear layer

· horizontal and bipolar synapses à outer plexiform layer

· amacrine and bipolar cell synapses à inner plexiform layer

· storage of dietary vitamin A à retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)

· cell bodies whose processes form spherules and pedicles à outer nuclear layer

· high baseline cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels and membrane depolarization à photoreceptor layer

· flame-shaped retinal hemorrhages à nerve fiber layer

· dot hemorrhages à inner nuclear layer

· Hard exudates à OPL

· Soft exudates/ CWS à NFL

Written by Dr. Dhaval Patel, MD (Ophthalmology, AIIMS New Delhi)

Consultant, Cataract & Refractive Surgery — first AIIMS-trained ophthalmologist practicing in Ahmedabad. Read full credentials & experience or view his 28 publications on ResearchGate.

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