A quantitative analysis of the distribution of ganglion cells in the cat's retina

Abstract Canglion cell density maps of the cat's retina have been constructed from whole‐mounts of the retina stained with methylene blue. The main features of the maps are first, a great increase in density at the specialized central area, and second, a horizontally orientated “arm” of relatively high density extending from the central area into nasal and temporal retinae. The variation of ganglion cell size with density has been examined in the same preparations. This analysis showed that the cells are smallest at the central area, and increase in size as ganglion cell density decreases. Whole‐mount preparations have also been made of the monkey's retina, allowing comparison between the central areas of cat and monkey retinae.