A quantitative analysis of the cat retinal ganglion cell topography.

A retinal ganglion cell distribution map has been prepared for the cresyl violet stained cat retina. It differs from previously published maps in revealing the visual streak to be more substantial and in showing a higher peak density of 9-10,000 ganglion cells/mm2 at the presumed visual pole. The map was used to obtain a minimum estimate of the retinal ganglion cell population as 217,000 cells, more than double the total previously reported. The problem of classifying the cells of the ganglion cell layer is discussed in detail and examples of criterion cells illustrated. The paper also includes an account of retinal mensuration (dimensions, area, etc.) and a discussion of the visual streak orientation.