The Retinal Muller Cell: Structure and Function

Sarthy, Vijay/ Ripps, Harris

ISBN 10: 0306464705 / ISBN 13: 9780306464706

Published by Plenum Pub Corp, 2001

About this Item

278 pages. 9.25x6.25x1.00 inches. In Stock.

Seller Inventory # x-0306464705

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Retinal Muller Cell: Structure and Function
• Publisher: Plenum Pub Corp
• Publication Date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0306464705
• ISBN 13: 9780306464706
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Brand New

About this title

Synopsis

The human brain contains more than a billion neurons which interconnect to form networks that process, store, and recall sensory information. These neuronal activities are supported by a group of accessory brain cells coll- tively known as neuroglia. Surprisingly, glial cells are ten times more - merous than neurons, and occupy more than half the brain volume (Hydén, 1961). Although long considered a passive, albeit necessary, component of the nervous system, many interesting and unusual functional properties of glial cells are only now being brought to light. As a result, the status of these cellular elements is approaching parity with nerve cells as a subject for experimental study. The term glia (or glue) seems today to be a misnomer in view of the diverse functions attributed to glial cells. Experimental studies in the last three decades have clearly established that the behavior of glial cells is far from passive, and that they are at least as complex as neurons with regard to their membrane properties. In addition, glial cells are of importance in signal processing, cellular metabolism, nervous system development, and the pathophysiology of neurological diseases. The Müller cell of the ver- brate retina provides a splendid example of an accessory cell that exhibits features illustrating every aspect of the complex behavior now associated with glial cells.

Synopsis

This monograph examines the role of the Muller cell, the main glial element of the retina, in the development, organization, and function of the vertebrate retina. These cells may also play a role in the control of eye growth and in determining the processing of information by surrounding neurons.