Outer plexiform layer

Outer plexiform layer
Section of retina. (Outer plexiform layer labeled at right, sixth from the top.)
Plan of retinal neurons. (Outer plexiform layer labeled at left, fourth from the bottom.)
Details
Identifiers
Latin	Stratum plexiforme externum retinae
TA	A15.2.04.013
FMA	58685
Anatomical terminology [edit on Wikidata]

The outer plexiform layer (external plexiform layer) is a layer of neuronal synapses in the retina of the eye. It consists of a dense network of synapses between dendrites of horizontal cells from the inner nuclear layer, and photoreceptor cell inner segments from the outer nuclear layer. It is much thinner than the inner plexiform layer, where amacrine cells synapse with retinal ganglion cells.^[1]

The synapses in the outer plexiform layer are between the rod cell endings or cone cell branched foot plates and horizontal cells. Unlike in most systems, rod and cone cells release neurotransmitters when not receiving a light signal.

References

This article incorporates text in the public domain from the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

External links

• Histology image: 07902loa – Histology Learning System at Boston University

Anatomy of the globe of the eye
Fibrous tunic (outer)	Sclera Episcleral layer Schlemm's canal Trabecular meshwork Cornea Limbus layers Epithelium Bowman's Stroma Dua's layer Descemet's Endothelium
Uvea/vascular tunic (middle)	Choroid Capillary lamina of choroid Bruch's membrane Sattler's layer Ciliary body Ciliary processes Ciliary muscle Pars plicata Pars plana Iris Stroma Pupil Iris dilator muscle Iris sphincter muscle
Retina (inner)	Layers Inner limiting membrane Nerve fiber layer Ganglion cell layer Inner plexiform layer Inner nuclear layer Outer plexiform layer Outer nuclear layer External limiting membrane Layer of rods and cones Retinal pigment epithelium Cells Photoreceptor cells (Cone cell, Rod cell) → (Horizontal cell) → Bipolar cell → (Amacrine cell) → Retina ganglion cell (Midget cell, Parasol cell, Bistratified cell, Giant retina ganglion cells, Photosensitive ganglion cell) → Diencephalon: P cell, M cell, K cell, Muller glia Other Macula Foveola Fovea centralis Parafovea Perifovea Optic disc Optic cup Ora serrata
Anatomical regions of the eye	Anterior segment Adnexa Fibrous tunic Anterior chamber Aqueous humor Iris Posterior chamber Ciliary body Lens Capsule of lens Zonule of Zinn Posterior segment Vitreous chamber Vitreous humor Retina Choroid
Other	Keratocytes Ocular immune system Tapetum lucidum Eye care professional Eye disease Refractive error Accommodation Physiological Optics Visual perception