NBEO Ocular Physiology Practice Exam

Rod bipolar cells are crucial for vision in low-light conditions, and their response is closely tied to the signaling pathways activated by the phototransduction cascade in the retina. In the absence of light, photoreceptors (rods) are continuously depolarized due to the presence of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which keeps sodium channels open. When there is no light, the rods release the neurotransmitter glutamate onto rod bipolar cells.

In a dark environment, the influx of sodium ions results in the rod bipolar cells being depolarized. This depolarization leads to the release of neurotransmitter from the rod bipolar cells, allowing them to convey the signal to the next layer of cells in the visual pathway. This communication is vital for processing visual information, even in dim light conditions.

Thus, the primary response of rod bipolar cells when there is no light is to undergo depolarization, enabling them to relay signals about the dark environment.