What is the primary function of the retina?

The primary function of the retina is to detect light and convert it into neural signals. The retina is a thin layer of tissue located at the back of the eye, and it contains photoreceptor cells known as rods and cones. Rods are responsible for detecting light intensity and are essential for night vision, while cones are responsible for color vision and function best in bright light conditions.

When light enters the eye, it is focused by the cornea and lens onto the retina, where it is absorbed by these photoreceptor cells. The rods and cones then transform the light that they absorb into electrical impulses, which are sent through the optic nerve to the brain. This process is critical for vision because it allows the brain to interpret the visual information, enabling us to see.

In contrast, the other functions mentioned in the other options do not pertain to the role of the retina. For example, focusing light onto the lens is primarily the job of the cornea and the lens themselves, rather than the retina. Transmitting sound signals is unrelated to vision and pertains to the auditory system, while tear production is performed by glands in the eyes but not by the retina. Thus, the retina's role in detecting light and converting it into neural signals is central