Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
10:20
Single-cell Profiling of Developing and Mature Retinal Neurons
Published on: April 19, 2012
Neuronal density in the human retinal ganglion cell layer from 16-77 years
A Harman1, B Abrahams, S Moore
1Department of Psychology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6907, Australia. alison@psy.uwa.edu.au
The Anatomical Record
|September 20, 2000
Summary
This study found that the total number of neurons in the human retina decreases with age. Neuronal density declines across the retina, but less so in the macula, suggesting a "drawing together" of retinal tissue.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Aging Research
Background:
- The aging process and its effect on retinal neuron loss remain debated.
- Previous studies focused on cell density in specific regions, yielding conflicting results.
- No studies have quantified total neuron numbers in the human retinal ganglion cell layer across the lifespan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the total number of neurons in the human retinal ganglion cell layer throughout life.
- To investigate age-related changes in neuronal number and density across the entire human retina.
- To compare age-related neuronal density changes in the macula versus other retinal regions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 12 human retinae aged 16-77 years, fixed in formalin.
- Whole-mounting of the retinal ganglion cell layer for neuron counting.
- Estimation of total neuron numbers, neuronal density, and retinal area.
Main Results:
- Total retinal neuron numbers were lower in older individuals compared to younger ones.
- Neuronal density decreased in most retinal regions with age, at an average rate of 0.53% per year.
- The macula showed a significantly lower rate of density reduction (0.29% per year).
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first estimation of total neuron numbers in the aging human retinal ganglion cell layer.
- Age-related neuronal loss occurs throughout the retina, with a slower density decline in the macula.
- The findings support the hypothesis of retinal sheet "drawing together" in the macula to maintain cell density with aging.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:32The Retina
The retina is a layer of nervous tissue at the back of the eye that transduces light into neural signals. This process, called phototransduction, is carried out by rod and cone photoreceptor cells in the back of the retina.
01:30Neuron Structure
Neurons are the main type of cell in the nervous system that generate and transmit electrochemical signals. They primarily communicate with each other using neurotransmitters at specific junctions called synapses. Neurons come in many shapes that often relate to their function, but most share three main structures: an axon and dendrites that extend out from a cell body.
Structure and Function of Neurons
The neuronal cell body—the soma— houses the nucleus and organelles vital to cellular...
Structure and Function of Neurons
The neuronal cell body—the soma— houses the nucleus and organelles vital to cellular...
01:20Anatomy of the Eyeball
The eye is a spherical, hollow structure composed of three tissue layers. The outer layer — the fibrous tunic, comprises the sclera — a white structure — and the cornea, which is transparent. The sclera encompasses some of the ocular surface, most of which is not visible. However, the 'white of the eye' is distinctively visible in humans compared to other species. The cornea, a clear covering at the front of the eye, enables light penetration. The eye's middle layer, the vascular tunic,...