Lateral geniculate nucleus
Lateral Geniculate Nucleus[edit | edit source]
The Lateral Geniculate Nucleus (LGN) is a small, almond-shaped structure located in the thalamus of the brain. It plays a crucial role in the processing and transmission of visual information from the retina to the visual cortex.
Anatomy[edit | edit source]
The LGN is composed of six layers, each with distinct anatomical and functional characteristics. Layers 1 and 2 receive input from the contralateral eye, while layers 3 through 6 receive input from the ipsilateral eye. This arrangement allows for the integration of visual information from both eyes.
Each layer of the LGN contains different types of cells, including magnocellular (M) and parvocellular (P) cells. M cells are larger and respond to low spatial frequencies, providing information about motion and depth perception. P cells are smaller and respond to high spatial frequencies, providing information about color and fine details.
Function[edit | edit source]
The primary function of the LGN is to relay visual information from the retina to the visual cortex. It acts as a gateway, processing and filtering visual signals before they reach the cortex. The LGN receives input from the retinal ganglion cells, which transmit information about light and color.
The LGN also plays a role in visual attention and perception. It helps to prioritize and direct visual information to different areas of the visual cortex, allowing for the selective processing of relevant visual stimuli. Additionally, the LGN is involved in the regulation of sleep and wakefulness, as it receives input from the suprachiasmatic nucleus, which controls the circadian rhythm.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
Damage or dysfunction of the LGN can lead to various visual impairments. Lesions in the LGN can result in visual field defects, such as scotomas or hemianopia, where a portion of the visual field is lost. Additionally, abnormalities in the LGN have been associated with certain neurological disorders, including migraine and schizophrenia.
References[edit | edit source]
See Also[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
