Pattern ERG signals are mainly generated by which retinal cells?

Pattern ERG signals are mainly generated by which retinal cells?

• A. Rod photoreceptors
• B. Cone photoreceptors
• C. Bipolar cells
• D. Ganglion cells

Answer: (D)

Pattern ERG primarily reflects retinal ganglion cell activity in the inner retina. The patterned stimulus (like a checkerboard that reverses) keeps the overall brightness constant, so the photoreceptors—rods and cones—don’t drive the signal as strongly. Instead, the retinal circuitry that processes contrast through the inner layers funnels activity from the pattern into the ganglion cells and their axons, producing the characteristic waves used to assess ganglion cell function. This is why pattern ERG is especially useful for evaluating conditions that affect these cells, such as glaucoma.

Pattern ERG primarily reflects retinal ganglion cell activity in the inner retina. The patterned stimulus (like a checkerboard that reverses) keeps the overall brightness constant, so the photoreceptors—rods and cones—don’t drive the signal as strongly. Instead, the retinal circuitry that processes contrast through the inner layers funnels activity from the pattern into the ganglion cells and their axons, producing the characteristic waves used to assess ganglion cell function. This is why pattern ERG is especially useful for evaluating conditions that affect these cells, such as glaucoma.