glutamatergic neuron retinal bipolar neuron BPs BC ZFA:0009318 A bipolar neuron found in the retina and having connections with photoreceptors cells and neurons in the inner plexiform layer. BCs The retinal bipolar neuron is an integral part of the eye, specifically located within the retina. They are secondary neurons in the visual pathway and primarily serve to transmit information from photoreceptor cells, which respond to light, to retinal ganglion cells, which carry the signal to the brain. As such, these cells play a pivotal role in our ability to interpret and perceive visual information. The structure of retinal bipolar neurons is unique and significant to their function. They are termed "bipolar" due to their morphology, having two poles: a single dendrite on one end and an axon on the other. The dendrite end connects to photoreceptor cells (rods or cones), while the axon end synapses with retinal ganglion cells. In the center of the dendrite and axon lies the cell body, which houses the cell's nucleus and other vital organelles. At the functional level, retinal bipolar neurons can be categorized into ON and OFF types based on their response to light. 'ON' bipolar cells are depolarized (electrical potential across the cell membrane decreases) under light conditions, thereby increasing their rate of neurotransmitter release onto the downstream ganglion cells. In contrast, 'OFF' bipolar cells are hyperpolarized (electrical potential increases) in light conditions, decreasing their rate of neurotransmitter release. This dual system allows for a fine-tuned response and the ability to perceive differences in light intensity and contrast, thus creating a nuanced and detailed visual world. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.) https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_0000748 Homo sapiens