In the Outer Plexiform Layer, signals are received by which cells?

In the Outer Plexiform Layer, signals are received by which cells?

• A. Ganglion and amacrine cells
• B. Rods and cones
• C. Müller cells
• D. Bipolar and horizontal cells

Answer: (D)

In the Outer Plexiform Layer, photoreceptor terminals form synapses with two types of postsynaptic partners: bipolar cells and horizontal cells. This is where the visual signal from rods and cones is first received and transmitted onward—bipolar cells carry the signal deeper into the retinal circuitry, while horizontal cells provide lateral interactions that shape receptive fields and contrast. The other options don’t fit because ganglion and amacrine cells reside in the inner plexiform layer and receive input after the bipolar cells, rods and cones are the photoreceptors themselves located in the outer nuclear layer, and Müller cells are glial support cells spanning the retina rather than primary signal receivers in this layer.

In the Outer Plexiform Layer, photoreceptor terminals form synapses with two types of postsynaptic partners: bipolar cells and horizontal cells. This is where the visual signal from rods and cones is first received and transmitted onward—bipolar cells carry the signal deeper into the retinal circuitry, while horizontal cells provide lateral interactions that shape receptive fields and contrast. The other options don’t fit because ganglion and amacrine cells reside in the inner plexiform layer and receive input after the bipolar cells, rods and cones are the photoreceptors themselves located in the outer nuclear layer, and Müller cells are glial support cells spanning the retina rather than primary signal receivers in this layer.