The lateral geniculate complex of the owl monkey Aotes trivirgatus

Abstract The lateral geniculate complex of 38 normal, one borgne, and one enucleated Aotes trivirgatus were studied to determine the number of laminae present, the laminar organization, and the cell content of the geniculate complex. The optic tract does not display apparent fasciculation. The pregeniculate nucleus consists of two laminae and the lateral geniculate of four, with two magnocellular layers and two parvocellular layers. Layers 1 and 4 receive the terminals of contralateral ganglion cells and layers 2 and 3 receive those of ipsilateral ganglion cells. Approximately, a 4:3 numerical relationship between retinal ganglion cells and lateral geniculate nucleus cells exists in one animal in which cell counts were made.