This chapter uses a chicken model to introduce different inner retinal layers from development to
maturation. These retinal layers include outer nuclear layer, outer plexiform layer, inner nuclear layer, inner
plexiform layer, ganglion cell layer and the nerve fibre layer. Horizontal cells, bipolar cells, Müller cells,
amacrine cells and ganglion cells, which serve different functions in the eye, are also discussed in this chapter.
The neuronal and Müller morphologies, forms of synaptic contacts and connections between neurons, and how
they eventually develop are clearly depicted in sequences. Synaptic terminals in the outer nuclear layer, the cone
pedicles and the rod spherules are laden with synaptic vesicles and synaptic ribbons. The presence of these
organelles and their morphogenesis are clearly portrayed. Further, the ‘dyad’ and the conventional synapses in the
inner plexiform layers are carefully presented.
Keywords: Maturation, horizontal cell, bipolar cell, müller cell, amacrine cell, ganglion cell, cell process, dense
body, astrocyte, nerve fiber >layer, internal limiting membrane, astrocyte.
