intrinsically photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cells (ipRGC)

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intrinsically photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cells (ipRGC): These are the cells on the retina in the eye that report to the master clock in the brain. Unlike the rod and cone cells on the retina of the eye that allow us to enjoy sight, these cells are believed to contribute little or nothing to sight. Instead, they are simply there to tell the master clock in the brain how accurately close its timing is to the actual clock of the earth’s rotation. Based on the information the ipRGC provides to the master clock, the master clock will either advance or delay its command time, for the next 24-hour cycle, to the pineal gland to release melatonin.

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