Size and distribution of ganglion cells in the bovine retina

In whole mounts of the bovine retina stained with cresylviolet, size and topographical distribution of ganglion cells were studied with the aid of a semiautomatic measuring device. At different locations within the streak and in the retinal periphery, ganglion cell sizes were measured. Each sample area was 0.05 mm² and contained 50–300 cells. In three retinae a total of 5813 ganglion cells were measured. Three size classes could be distinguished: small cells (<70μm²) medium sized cells (70–250 μm²), and large cells (>250 μm²). The medium sized cells were numerically predominant in the streak. The highest density of this cell class was found at the temporal end of the streak. The small cells, on the other hand, occurred predominantly in the periphery of the retina.