The Opto-Respiratory Compromise: Balancing Oxygen Supply and Light Transmittance in the Retina
Christian Damsgaard, Michael William Country
Abstract
The light-absorbing retina has an exceptionally high oxygen demand, which imposes two conflicting needs: high rates of blood perfusion and an unobstructed light path devoid of blood vessels. This review discusses mechanisms and physiological trade-offs underlying retinal oxygen supply in vertebrates and examines how these physiological systems supported the evolution of vision.
Topics & Concepts
RetinaBlood supplyCompromiseOxygenRetinalOxygenationPerfusionRespiratory systemBiologyNeuroscienceAnatomyChemistryMedicineEcologyCardiologyBiochemistrySurgerySocial scienceOrganic chemistrySociologyRetinal Development and DisordersPhotoreceptor and optogenetics researchNitric Oxide and Endothelin Effects