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What are p-cells?

Published in Neuroscience 1 min read

P-cells, or parvocellular cells, are specialized neurons found in the visual system. More specifically, a parvocellular cell is a type of cell found in the parvocellular layers of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN).

Key Characteristics of P-Cells

  • Location: Reside in the parvocellular layers of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN).
  • Input: Receive input from on- and off-midget retinal ganglion cells.
  • Function: Contribute to high-resolution vision by forming synapses with specific types of cones.

In simpler terms, p-cells are crucial for our ability to see fine details and distinguish between different colors. The visual information they process starts in the retina with special retinal ganglion cells, passes through the LGN, and eventually reaches the visual cortex in the brain for further processing. Their role in high-resolution vision highlights their importance in visual perception.

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