Amacrine cell

Amacrine cells are interneurons in the retina. They are named for their small, radiating processes, which send signals laterally to the bipolar cells and ganglion cells. The etymology of the term "amacrine" is derived from the Greek words "a" (without) and "makros" (long), referring to the short axons of these cells.

Function[edit | edit source]

Amacrine cells function in the retina to integrate, modulate, and segregate the bipolar cell input to the ganglion cells. They are crucial for temporal and spatial integration of visual information. They also play a role in the adaptation of the retina to different light levels.

Types[edit | edit source]

There are about 30 different types of amacrine cells, each with a unique role in processing visual information. Some of the most well-known types include the AII amacrine cell, which is involved in the rod pathway, and the starburst amacrine cell, which plays a role in direction selectivity.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

Amacrine cells are typically small, with a diameter of about 10 micrometers. They have a cell body from which several dendrites radiate. These dendrites can make synapses with other cells in the inner plexiform layer of the retina.

Synaptic Connections[edit | edit source]

Amacrine cells make synaptic connections with bipolar cells, ganglion cells, and other amacrine cells. They can either be inhibitory or excitatory, depending on the type of neurotransmitter they release.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Abnormalities in amacrine cells have been associated with several retinal diseases, including retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Amacrine cell Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.