Ph.D. Thesis
3D-neuroanatomy and fine structure of the neuronal networks in the visual system of cephalopods
Coleoid cephalopods have highly developed lense eyes which are analog to vertebrate eyes. A special visual performance of the cephalopods is the ability to perceive polarized light via orthogonal arranged photoreceptor cells. We want to investigate whether there is a morphological correlate to the 2-channel-analysator of the photoreceptor cells for polarized light in the “inside” of the visual system. Therefore we examine cephalopod hatchlings and create 3D- models of the visual system and the neuronal networks. Furthermore we want to display the 3D-strucure of photoreceptor cells and secondary neurons using fluorescence staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy.