The bundle forming the optic nerve consists of the axons of which retinal cells?

The bundle forming the optic nerve consists of the axons of which retinal cells?

• A. Photoreceptors
• B. Bipolar cells
• C. Ganglion cells
• D. Amacrine cells

Answer: (C)

The bundle forming the optic nerve is made up of the axons of retinal ganglion cells. After light is detected by photoreceptors, the signal passes through bipolar cells and then reaches ganglion cells. It is the axons of these ganglion cells that coalesce at the optic nerve head and carry visual information toward the brain. The other retinal neurons—amacrine and horizontal cells—are interneurons that process signals within the retina and do not send axons into the optic nerve.

The bundle forming the optic nerve is made up of the axons of retinal ganglion cells. After light is detected by photoreceptors, the signal passes through bipolar cells and then reaches ganglion cells. It is the axons of these ganglion cells that coalesce at the optic nerve head and carry visual information toward the brain. The other retinal neurons—amacrine and horizontal cells—are interneurons that process signals within the retina and do not send axons into the optic nerve.