A very pronounced band of cell nuclei, two to three nuclei thick, and very densely packed. These are the nuclei of the bipolar, horizontal, Muller, and amacrine cells. A homogeneous band between the inner and outer nuclear layers. The site of extensive synaptic contact. These are the nuclei of the photoreceptors.
Most nuclei are small and dark.
These are rod nuclei. Occasional nuclei, usually on the outer edge of this nuclear layer, are large, and pale. These are cone nuclei. With a careful eye the composition of this layer can be defined. The layer consists of the inner and outer segments of the photoreceptors.