Retina Collection (#6)

Retina blood vessels and nerve cells. Light micrograph showing the blood vessels and nerve cells in the retina of an eye. The retina is the light-sensitive membrane that lines the back of the eyeball

Dissected eye, 1844 artwork
Dissected eye. This anatomical artwork is figure 1, plate 78 from volume 3 (1844) of Traite complet de l anatomie de l homme (1831-1854)

Retinal rod cell anatomy, diagram

Bacteriorhodopsin, diagram
Bacteriorhodopsin. Diagram of the molecular structure of bacteriorhodopsin, a protein found in primitive micro-organisms known as Archaea

Eye anatomy. Cutaway artwork passing vertically through a human eye, showing its internal anatomy and structure. The front of the eye is at left, and the structures here include the cornea

Bacteriorhodopsin, artwork
Bacteriorhodopsin. Artwork of the molecular structure of bacteriorhodopsin, a protein found in primitive micro-organisms known as Archaea

Retinal rod cell anatomy, artwork
Retinal rod cell anatomy. Artwork of the external (left) and internal (right) anatomical structure of a retinal cell. These cells are found in the retina that lines the back of the eyes

Human retina, 19th century artwork. Artwork from the 1886 ninth edition of Moses and Geology (Samuel Kinns, London). This book was originally published in 1882

Retina in glaucoma, artwork
Retina in glaucoma, computer artwork. This view is looking through the pupil (green ring) at the front of the eye, to the retina (orange) at the back of the eye

Sensory rhodopsin transducer molecule. Computer model showing the molecular structure of sensory rhodopsin transducer (SRT)

Gecko retina, SEM
Gecko retina. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of an oblique freeze-fracture through the retina of a gecko (family Gekkonidae)

Vitamin A (retinal) molecule
Vitamin A. Molecular model of the retinal form of vitamin A. Retinal is one of three forms of vitamin A; the other two are retinol and retinoic acid

Rhodopsin protein molecule. Computer model of a molecule of the protein opsin that forms part of the rhodopsin complex. Rhodopsin is found in the rod photoreceptor cells in the retina of the human

Dogfish head, transverse section
Dogfish head. Light micrograph of a transverse section through the head of a lesser spotted dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula), in the region of the eyes (upper left and upper right)

Rabbit eye, longitudinal section
Rabbit eye. Light micrograph of a longitudinal section through the eye of a rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). The rabbit has a typical mammalian eye structure

Recording Eye Prints
An invention by two doctors: the eye print; recording the pattern made by veins on the retina, which differs for every individual. Science aiding the criminologist

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The retina, a fascinating structure within the human eye, has captivated scientists and artists alike throughout history. From histological diagrams to intricate artwork, the intricacies of its anatomy have been meticulously studied and depicted. In the 17th century, Descartes' optics theory shed light on how light interacts with the retina. This groundbreaking understanding paved the way for further exploration into this complex organ. An engraving from 1899 beautifully illustrates the external anatomy of the human eye, showcasing how it works in harmony with the retina. The rod and cone cells of the eye are highlighted in another image taken through a scanning electron microscope (SEM), revealing their delicate structures responsible for vision. Advancements in technology have allowed us to delve deeper into studying retinas through biometric scans. These scans provide valuable insights into individual characteristics and contribute to fields like artificial intelligence. A captivating false-color SEM image showcases a central fovea within a retina—an area crucial for sharp vision—highlighting its intricate details that make it an essential part of our visual system. At a molecular level, rhodopsin protein molecules play a vital role in converting light signals received by retinal cells into electrical impulses sent to our brain—a process critical for sight perception. As we explore further, we discover not only its anatomical features but also its network of blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to sustain this remarkable organ's functionality. From ancient theories to modern scientific discoveries, artful depictions or microscopic examinations—the study of retinas continues to intrigue us as we unravel more about one of nature's most incredible creations: our eyes.