Retinal Ganglion Cells: Anatomy

This article provides a brief review of the morphology, synaptic inputs, distribution, and central projections of retinal ganglion cells, with the emphasis on studies on primates. Midget cells project to the parvocellular layers of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) and mediate both red–green color vision and high-acuity form vision. Parasol cells project to the magnocellular layers of the LGN and contribute to many aspects of vision, particularly to the perception of motion. Small bistratified cells project to the koniocellular layers of the LGN and mediate blue–yellow color vision. Primates also have the same types of retinal ganglion cells as other mammals.