neuroretinal

The term neuroretinal, or neural retina, refers to the neural portion of the retina, the light-sensing tissue responsible for phototransduction and initial visual processing. It is distinct from the retinal pigment epithelium and supporting tissues.

Anatomy: The neuroretina comprises the layered neural tissue from the inner limiting membrane to the boundary near the retinal pigment epithelium. Its layers include the nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer, inner plexiform layer, inner nuclear layer, outer plexiform layer, outer nuclear layer, and the photoreceptor layer that contains rods and cones. The central retina contains the macula, and at its center the fovea, where cone photoreceptors are densely packed for high-acuity vision.

Development and physiology: The neuroretina originates from the optic cup, an outpouching of the neural ectoderm, during embryogenesis. It contains photoreceptors that transduce light into electrical signals, and interneurons such as bipolar, horizontal, and amacrine cells that modulate these signals before they are transmitted by retinal ganglion cells to the brain via the optic nerve. Glial Müller cells provide structural and metabolic support across the retinal layers.

Clinical relevance: Damage or degeneration of the neuroretina leads to vision loss. Examples include inherited retinal dystrophies such as retinitis pigmentosa and Leber congenital amaurosis, age-related macular degeneration affecting the central neuroretina, and diabetic retinopathy that disrupts neural retinal function.