GANGLION CELL Meaning and
Definition
-
A ganglion cell is a type of neuron found in the retina of the eye. It is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. Ganglion cells are classified as part of the innermost layer of the retina, known as the ganglion cell layer.
These specialized cells are responsible for processing visual signals received from the photoreceptor cells, which are located in the outermost layer of the retina. Ganglion cells play a crucial role in converting these light signals into electrical impulses that can be transmitted to the brain through the optic nerve.
Ganglion cells vary in size and shape, with different types having specific functions. Some ganglion cells are responsible for detecting motion, while others are specialized for color perception or detail recognition. Their receptive fields, the portion of the visual field to which they respond, can vary in size and shape as well, allowing for the transmission of different types of visual information.
Damage or malfunctioning of ganglion cells can lead to various vision problems, such as reduced visual acuity, color vision deficiencies, or visual field defects. Understanding the structure and function of ganglion cells is crucial in the field of ophthalmology and vision research, as it helps to unravel the complexities of visual processing and develop potential treatments for visual impairments and diseases.
-
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GANGLION CELL
- fanglion cell
- vanglion cell
- banglion cell
- hanglion cell
- yanglion cell
- tanglion cell
- gznglion cell
- gsnglion cell
- gwnglion cell
- gqnglion cell
- gabglion cell
- gamglion cell
- gajglion cell
- gahglion cell
- ganflion cell
- ganvlion cell
- ganblion cell
- ganhlion cell
- ganylion cell
- gantlion cell
Etymology of GANGLION CELL
The word "ganglion" has its origins in the Greek language. It comes from the Greek word "ganglion", which means a swelling or knot. In the context of biology, a ganglion refers to a collection of nerve cell bodies found outside the central nervous system.
The word "cell" originates from the Latin word "cellula", which means a small room or chamber. In biology, a cell refers to the structural and functional unit of all living organisms.
So, the term "ganglion cell" combines the Greek "ganglion" with the Latin "cell" to describe a specialized nerve cell found in the ganglia, or collections of nerve cell bodies.
