What role does the ganglion cell layer play in vision?

The ganglion cell layer plays a crucial role in vision by sending the final signals to the brain. This layer consists of ganglion cells, which are the last in the chain of retinal processing. These cells receive input from photoreceptors, and through a series of intermediate cells, relay the processed visual information in the form of action potentials. The axons of the ganglion cells form the optic nerve, which transmits the visual information to the brain's visual cortex for further interpretation. This stage is essential for the formation of visual perception, making the ganglion cell layer vital in the pathway that visual signals travel from the eye to the brain.