The retina is an ideal CNS structure for investigation of neural development and plasticity. It is a highly organized CNS structure that is easily accessible for experimental manipulation. All vertebrate retinas are organized in the same laminar fashion with the three nuclear layers (ONL, INL, and GCL) separated by the synaptic layers (OPL and IPL). Furthermore, the five neuronal cell types and two glial cell types can be reliably identified based on their position and morphology within the retina.

Abbreviations along right side of figure: PC: Pigmented Choroid; RPE: Retinal Pigment Epithelium; OS Outer Segments; ONL: Outer Nuclear Layer; OPL: Outer Plexiform Layer; INL: Inner Nuclear Layer; IPL: Inner Plexiform Layer; GCL: Ganglion Cell Layer

Abbreviations in figure: PR: Photoreceptor; HC: Horizontal Cell; BP: Bipolar Cell; AC: Amacrine Cell; RGC: Retinal Ganglion Cell; MC: Muller Cell; Ast: Astrocyte.