What is the light-sensitive inner surface of the eye called?

The light-sensitive inner surface of the eye is known as the retina. The retina plays a crucial role in vision, as it contains photoreceptor cells called rods and cones that detect light and convert it into electrical signals. These signals are then transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve, where they are processed into the images we see.

The cornea, while essential for focusing light entering the eye, is not the inner surface but the transparent front part of the eye. The iris is the colored part of the eye that controls the size of the pupil and thus the amount of light that enters, but it does not have photoreceptors. The pupil is the opening in the center of the iris that allows light to pass through into the eye, but it is not a light-sensitive surface. Understanding the specific functions of each component of the eye helps clarify the distinct role of the retina in the visual process.