What is the main function of the retina?

The primary function of the retina is to receive and process visual information. The retina is a thin layer of tissue located at the back of the eye that contains photoreceptor cells known as rods and cones. These cells convert light into electrical signals, which are then transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve. The brain interprets these signals, allowing us to perceive images. This role is crucial for vision, as it enables the detection of light intensity, color, and motion, all of which contribute to our overall visual experience.

Understanding this function helps clarify the significance of the retina in the visual system compared to other options, which do not directly address the processing of visual information. For instance, while light refraction is essential for focusing images on the retina, it is not the retina's function. Similarly, nourishing eye structures is handled by blood vessels and other tissues, rather than the retina itself, and the protection of the eye involves structures like the eyelids and the cornea, rather than the retina’s role in vision.