Retinal photoreceptor fine structure in the American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)

The morphology of the light-adapted retinal photoreceptors of the American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) has been investigated by light and electron microscopy. They consist of rods, single cones and double (unequal) cones present in a ratio of about 4:3:3 respectively. The rods are stout cells with a long inner segment and an outer segment that reaches to the RPE cell body. In the light-adapted state, the pigment-laden apical processes of the RPE cells surround cell photoreceptor types for most of their length. The rod inner segment displays an ellipsoid of mitochondria, a large hyperboloid of glycogen, much RER, numerous polysomes, Golgi zones and autophagic vacuoles. Single cones show a slightly tapered outer segment, a large and usually heterogeneous oil droplet and an ellipsoid of mitochondria at the apex of the inner segment. Double cones consist of a longer, stouter chief member which displays a more homogeneous oil droplet and a prominent paraboloid of glycogen and a slightly shorter and thinner accessory member with no oil droplet or paraboloid. Both members of the double cone as well as the single cones show a prominent ellipsoid and plentiful polysomes, RER and Golgi zones in the inner segment. Along the length of the contiguous membranes of the two members of the double cone are presumed interreceptor junctions. All cone photoreceptors are relatively small in diameter and hence are tightly packed. Judging by their morphology in the light-adapted state neither rods nor cones are felt to undergo photomechanical movements in this species. Rods and cones (both types) display both invaginated (ribbon) synapses as well as numerous flat (conventional) synaptic sites.