What are OFF-bipolar cells?

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Study for the Neurophysiology Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Enhance your understanding of cell types, signals, and sensory pathways. Ace your exam!

Multiple Choice

What are OFF-bipolar cells?

Explanation:
OFF-bipolar cells carry the signal for the OFF (decrease in light) pathway. In the dark, photoreceptors continuously release glutamate. OFF-bipolar cells have ionotropic glutamate receptors (AMPA/kainate) that respond to glutamate with depolarization, so they become active and excite OFF ganglion cells. When light increases, glutamate release falls, the OFF-bipolar cells hyperpolarize, and the OFF ganglion cells reduce their firing. So these cells are activated by the neurotransmitter released by photoreceptors and they convey excitatory signals to downstream ganglion cells in darkness; they do not inhibit ganglion cells.

OFF-bipolar cells carry the signal for the OFF (decrease in light) pathway. In the dark, photoreceptors continuously release glutamate. OFF-bipolar cells have ionotropic glutamate receptors (AMPA/kainate) that respond to glutamate with depolarization, so they become active and excite OFF ganglion cells. When light increases, glutamate release falls, the OFF-bipolar cells hyperpolarize, and the OFF ganglion cells reduce their firing. So these cells are activated by the neurotransmitter released by photoreceptors and they convey excitatory signals to downstream ganglion cells in darkness; they do not inhibit ganglion cells.

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