Distribution and soma size of ganglion cells in the retina of the eastern chipmunk (Tamias sibiricus asiaticus).

Topographic distribution and soma size of ganglion cells were studied in Nissl-stained, whole-mounted retinas of the eastern chipmunk. High density areas in the central retina were elongated horizontally, making up the visual streak. The total count of ganglion cells was estimated as 410,000. Throughout the retina soma size of ganglion cells showed a uimodal distribution, although a distinct population of large cells was found in the dorso-temporal periphery.