In order to understand how the brain analyzes visual information, it is essential to study the details of connections that are made between the eye and brain. The present research seeks to understand this circuitry by analyzing retinal ganglion-cell anatomy in relation to their electrophysiological properties and the type of connections they establish in the midbrain. Single optic-nerve axon staining methods are used to reveal the detailed anatomy of neurons that form connections between the eye and the brain. Once such connections are fully understood, it will be possible to determine how these connections may change following injury. These experiments will also provide information about the ability of nerves to regenerate functional connections following injury to the optic nerve.
