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Vision is the result of light being detected and transduced into neural signals by the retina of the eye. This information is then further analyzed and interpreted by the brain. First, light enters the front of the eye and is focused by the cornea and lens onto the retina—a thin sheet of neural tissue lining the back of the eye. Because of refraction through the convex lens of the eye, images are projected onto the retina upside-down and reversed.
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At the molecular level, visual signals trigger transformations in photopigment molecules, resulting in changes in the photoreceptor cell's membrane potential. The photon's energy level is denoted by its wavelength, with each specific wavelength of visible light associated with a distinct color. The spectral range of visible light, classified as electromagnetic radiation, spans from 380 to 720 nm. Electromagnetic radiation wavelengths exceeding 720 nm fall under the infrared category,...
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Light enters the eye through the cornea, a transparent, dome-shaped surface covering the surface of the eyeball that helps to direct and focus incoming light. This light is then channeled toward the pupil, an adjustable opening whose size is controlled by the iris. The iris, a pigmented muscle, regulates the amount of light entering the eye by contracting or dilating the pupil, thereby ensuring optimal light levels for clear vision.
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Neural circuits and neuronal pools are two of the main structures found in the nervous system. Neural circuits are networks of neurons that work together to carry out a specific task or process. They consist of interconnected neurons and glial cells, which provide structural and metabolic support.
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An Evolutionarily Conserved Mechanism for Activity-Dependent Visual Circuit Development.

Kara G Pratt1, Masaki Hiramoto2, Hollis T Cline2

  • 1Program in Neuroscience, Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming Laramie, WY, USA.

Frontiers in Neural Circuits
|November 8, 2016
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Retinal waves in amniotes may be an evolutionary adaptation to terrestrial life, unlike anamniotes. This review explores neural activity

Keywords:
Hebbretinal wavesvisual system plasticity

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Neural circuit development is guided by activity, either spontaneous (retinal waves) or sensory-driven.
  • Retinal waves are crucial in mammalian embryonic retinas, influencing circuit development.
  • Altering neural activity impacts circuit development across various model systems.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose retinal waves as an evolutionary adaptation for amniotes (developing in ovo or utero) to terrestrial environments.
  • To contrast this with anamniotes (aquatic amphibians and fish) that lack retinal waves.
  • To review the functional roles of retinal waves and visual stimuli on downstream targets.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on neural circuit development and retinal waves.
  • Comparative analysis of amniote and anamniote visual system development.
  • Functional analysis of spontaneous and sensory-driven neural activity.

Main Results:

  • Retinal waves are hypothesized as an adaptation for terrestrial life in amniotes.
  • Anamniotes, lacking these environmental pressures, do not exhibit retinal waves.
  • Existing research demonstrates the impact of neural activity on circuit development.

Conclusions:

  • Retinal waves may represent an evolutionary solution for terrestrial neural development.
  • The tadpole visual system's experience-dependent development may mirror effects of retinal waves on amniote retinorecipient targets.
  • Further research is predicted on spontaneous retinal waves' role in developing targets like the superior colliculus and lateral geniculate nucleus.