Outer plexiform layer

The outer plexiform layer (external plexiform layer) is a layer of neuronal synapses in the retina of the eye. It consists of a dense network of synapses between dendrites of horizontal cells from the inner nuclear layer, and photoreceptor cell inner segments from the outer nuclear layer. It is much thinner than the inner plexiform layer, where amacrine cells synapse with retinal ganglion cells. The synapses in the outer plexiform layer are between the rod cell endings or cone cell branched foot plates and horizontal cells. Unlike in most systems, rod and cone cells release neurotransmitters when not receiving a light signal.

Outer plexiform layer
Section of retina. (Outer plexiform layer labeled at right, sixth from the top.)
Plan of retinal neurons. (Outer plexiform layer labeled at left, fourth from the bottom.)
Details
Identifiers
Latin	Stratum plexiforme externum retinae
TA98	A15.2.04.013
FMA	58685
Anatomical terminology [edit on Wikidata]

The outer plexiform layer (external plexiform layer) is a layer of neuronal synapses in the retina of the eye. It consists of a dense network of synapses between dendrites of horizontal cells from the inner nuclear layer, and photoreceptor cell inner segments from the outer nuclear layer. It is much thinner than the inner plexiform layer, where amacrine cells synapse with retinal ganglion cells.^[1]

The synapses in the outer plexiform layer are between the rod cell endings or cone cell branched foot plates and horizontal cells. Unlike in most systems, rod and cone cells release neurotransmitters when not receiving a light signal.

References

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This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 1016 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

^ "Inner Plexiform Layer by Helga Kolb – Webvision".

External links

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Histology image: 07902loa – Histology Learning System at Boston University

Anatomy of the globe of the human eye

Fibrous tunic
(outer)

Sclera	Episcleral layer Schlemm's canal Trabecular meshwork
Cornea	Limbus layers Epithelium Bowman's Stroma Dua's layer Descemet's Endothelium

Uvea / vascular
tunic (middle)

Choroid	Capillary lamina of choroid Bruch's membrane Sattler's layer
Ciliary body	Ciliary processes Ciliary muscle Pars plicata Pars plana
Iris	Stroma Pupil Iris dilator muscle Iris sphincter muscle

Retina (inner)

Layers	Inner limiting membrane Nerve fiber layer Ganglion cell layer Inner plexiform layer Inner nuclear layer Outer plexiform layer Outer nuclear layer External limiting membrane Layer of rods and cones Retinal pigment epithelium
Cells	Photoreceptor cells (Cone cell, Rod cell) → (Horizontal cell) → Bipolar cell → (Amacrine cell) → Retina ganglion cell (Midget cell, Parasol cell, Bistratified cell, Giant retina ganglion cells, Photosensitive ganglion cell) → Diencephalon: P cell, M cell, K cell, Muller glia
Other	Macula Perifoveal area Parafoveal area Fovea Foveal avascular zone Foveola Optic disc Optic cup Ora serrata

Anatomical regions
of the eye

Anterior segment	Adnexa (Eyebrow, Eyelid, Conjunctiva, Lacrimal system, Orbit) Fibrous tunic Anterior chamber Aqueous humour Iris Posterior chamber Ciliary body Lens Capsule of lens Zonule of Zinn
Posterior segment	Vitreous chamber Vitreous body Retina Choroid

Other

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