Ganglion cell size and distribution in the retina of the two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus L.).
The distribution of ganglion cell densities and sizes was studied in Nissl-stained flat-mount retinae of the two-toed sloth. The area centralis, a weak specialization with low ganglion cell density, is located in the temporal retina close to the center of the eye. The presence of a visual streak was noted. The distribution of different ganglion cell sizes was approximately equal throughout the retina. Although the retinal organization differs from that of the closely related three-toed sloth, the presumed function of retinal specializations in both species is to guide limb movements by permitting visualization of the branch along which the animal is climbing.
Andrade-da-Costa
B L
BL
Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brasil.
Pessoa
V F
VF
Bousfield
J D
JD
Clarke
R J
RJ
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000818:Animals; D005728:Ganglia, Sympathetic / Q000166:cytology*; D012160:Retina / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D012896:Sloths / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D004490:Xenarthra / Q000033:anatomy & histology*