Amacrine cells are inhibitory neurons which project their dendritic arbors onto the inner plexiform layer (IPL).
[2] They are often classified by the width of their field of connection, which layer(s) of the stratum in the IPL they are in, and by neurotransmitter type.
These are all TH expressing and these amacrine cells modulate light adaption and circadian rhythm.
[3] Many other divisions of GABAergic amacrine cells have been noted, but those listed above are some of the most extensively researched and discussed.
Narrow field amacrine cells allow vertical communication among different retinal levels.
They also aid in creating functional subunits in the receptive field of ganglion cells.
Similarly, wide field amacrine cells are hard to research and even discover because they span the entire retina so there aren't many of them.
Mosaic arrangements provide a mechanism to distribute each cell type evenly across the retina, ensuring that all parts of the visual field have access to a full set of processing elements.
Other forms of amacrine cell are likely to play modulatory roles, allowing adjustment of sensitivity for photopic and scotopic vision.