Peak density, size and regional distribution of ganglion cells in the retina of the fur seal Callorhinus ursinus.

The total number, size, topographic distribution and peak density of ganglion cells were studied in retinal wholemounts of the fur seal, Callorhinus ursinus. The cell distribution showed a distinct zone of high ganglion cell density. It was located in the temporal retinal quadrant, near the horizontal meridian, 10-12 mm (25-31 degrees) from the optic disk. The peak cell density in this zone was 812-1332 cells/mm2 (mean 1053 cells/mm2), i.e. 125-205 cells/deg2 (mean 162 cells/deg2). These data predict a retinal resolution of 5.6-7.1 cycle/deg. The ganglion cell soma size ranged from 10 to 50 microns. Cell size histograms were bimodal in shape with modes below and above 30 microns.