Regional adaptation of Müller cells in the chick retina. A Golgi and electron microscopical study

We report the morphological differences of Müller cells in relation to their topography, using the Golgi method. Müller cells in the central retina are long and slender, with numerous inner prolongations. In the peripheral retina, the morphology of the Müller cells adapts to the reduced thickness of the retinal layers. In this zone, they are short and have thick inner prolongations which end in a large foot in the internal limiting membrane. In the optic disc margin, Müller cells have a particular morphology characterized by thick, arched prolongations that in general form a glial network between the retina and optic nerve. The ultrastructure of these cells is also described. The results are discussed with respect to the nature of Müller cells.