Which retinal cells send signals from the retina to the brain via the optic nerve?

Which retinal cells send signals from the retina to the brain via the optic nerve?

• A. Horizontal cells
• B. Amacrine cells
• C. Photoreceptors
• D. Ganglion cell axons

Answer: (D)

Signals from the retina to the brain are carried by the axons of retinal ganglion cells, which bundle together to form the optic nerve. Photoreceptors (rods and cones) detect light and transmit signals to bipolar cells, but their output does not travel as the optic nerve. Horizontal and amacrine cells are interneurons within the retina that modulate or integrate signals locally; they do not project to the brain via the optic nerve. Thus, the pathway to the brain uses the ganglion cells’ axons.

Signals from the retina to the brain are carried by the axons of retinal ganglion cells, which bundle together to form the optic nerve. Photoreceptors (rods and cones) detect light and transmit signals to bipolar cells, but their output does not travel as the optic nerve. Horizontal and amacrine cells are interneurons within the retina that modulate or integrate signals locally; they do not project to the brain via the optic nerve. Thus, the pathway to the brain uses the ganglion cells’ axons.