Kein Irrtum der Natur: Wie Licht durch die umgekehrte Retina von Wirbeltieren gelangt
Agte S, Francke M, Franze K, Reichenbach A (2014)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2014
Journal
Book Volume: 20
Pages Range: 296-304
Journal Issue: 4
Abstract
In our eyes, as in the eyes of all vertebrates, images of the environment are projected onto an inverted retina where photons must pass through most of the retinal layers before they are captured by the light-sensitive cells. Light scattering in these retinal layers should decrease the signal-to-noise ratio of the images, and interfere with clear vision. Strikingly, however, our eye displays splendid visual abilities. This apparent contradiction could be resolved if intraretinal light scatter was minimized by the installation of optical elements facilitating light transmission through the tissue. Indeed, we have shown that one function of radial glial (Müller) cells is to act as effective optical fibers in the living retina, bypassing the light-scattering structures in front of the lightsensitive cells. Noteworthy, each Miiller cell serves as a 'private' light guide towards one individual cone photoreceptor cell, providing it with 'its' appropriate pixel of the environmental image.
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Germany (DE)How to cite
APA:
Agte, S., Francke, M., Franze, K., & Reichenbach, A. (2014). Kein Irrtum der Natur: Wie Licht durch die umgekehrte Retina von Wirbeltieren gelangt. Neuroforum, 20(4), 296-304.
MLA:
Agte, Silke, et al. "Kein Irrtum der Natur: Wie Licht durch die umgekehrte Retina von Wirbeltieren gelangt." Neuroforum 20.4 (2014): 296-304.
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