Light-and electron-microscopic investigation of the optic nerve fiber layer in the river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis)
Holmberg, K.
Vision Research 18(10): 1313-1320
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-6989 PMID: 726273 Accession: 021287792
The optic nerve fibers are organized into discreet fascicles which course from the periphery of the retina to the optic disc along the vitreal margin of the inner nuclear layer. Thus, in contrast to gnathostome chordates the optic fiber layer in lampreys is located sclerally to the inner synaptic layer. A hypothesis is offered which suggests that the fascicle organization is a device which enables cell processes from the inner nuclear layer to extend vitreally beyond the optic fiber layer and thus facilitate the development of the inner synaptic layer without a splitting process of the inner neuroblastic layer.