What is the tapetum?

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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 is the tapetum?

Explanation:
The tapetum lucidum is a reflective layer behind the retina found in many nocturnal mammals. Its job is to reflect light that has already passed through the retina back through it, giving photoreceptors a second chance to absorb those photons. This increases visual sensitivity in very dim light and is the reason eyes can appear to shine when illuminated at night. It’s not a nerve fiber layer, nor the pigment layer that sits behind the retina to absorb stray light; that pigment layer helps absorb stray light to reduce glare and scattering rather than reflect it.

The tapetum lucidum is a reflective layer behind the retina found in many nocturnal mammals. Its job is to reflect light that has already passed through the retina back through it, giving photoreceptors a second chance to absorb those photons. This increases visual sensitivity in very dim light and is the reason eyes can appear to shine when illuminated at night. It’s not a nerve fiber layer, nor the pigment layer that sits behind the retina to absorb stray light; that pigment layer helps absorb stray light to reduce glare and scattering rather than reflect it.

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