Ganglion cells

Ganglion cells are the output neurons of the retina. Their axons bundle together to form the optic nerve, transmitting processed visual information to the brain (thalamus, hypothalamus, midbrain). Different subtypes (e.g., M/P cells in primates) encode specific visual features like motion, fine detail, or color. Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) contain melanopsin and regulate non-image-forming functions like circadian rhythms and pupillary reflex.