01 / Location & anatomical relationships
Lining the inside back wall of each eye.
02 / Structure & organization
Photoreceptors communicate through retinal circuits with ganglion cells, whose axons form the optic nerve. Cones support detailed daylight vision, while rods contribute strongly in dim light. The fovea is specialized for high visual acuity.
03 / Function
Its special cells help turn light into nerve signals.
04 / Mechanism
Rods respond well in dim light, while cones support color vision and fine detail. These cells pass information into retinal nerve circuits. The signals then leave the eye through the optic nerve for further processing.
Part of a bigger picture
The retina belongs in our brain & senses collection. Explore the nearby parts to see how this area of the body fits together.
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Connect structure with function
The optic disc lacks photoreceptors and corresponds to a normal blind spot. Retinal processing begins before signals reach visual areas of the brain.
Check your understanding
Locate the retina in relation to its neighbors. Explain how the structural features described above support its function, then distinguish it from a nearby structure with a different role.
Keep learning
Continue with OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology for system-level study. This atlas is educational and has not undergone independent medical peer review.