Freeze-fracture Scanning Electron Microscopy of the Human Retina

ABSTRACT

Our current understanding of the ultrastructure of the retina has been gained using transmis sion electron microscopy (TEM) of thin sections. Scanning electron microscopy was proven to be a very valuable adjunct to TEM in retinal research. The present study describes the surface features of the retina. The complex shape of Muller cells varies in different layers of the retina. The Muller cell processes surround the cell bodies in the ganglion cell Iayer and form a part of the inner limiting membrane. The external limiting membrane consists of tight junctions between the beginning of the photo receptors and the Muller cells. The Muller cells extend beyond the external limiting membrane to embrace the photoreceptors. The course of the fibers of the outer plexiform layer is almost parallel to the surface of the macula. The interphotoreceptor space has a reticular structure.