Fovea

Definition

The fovea is a small pit in the retina of the eye where visual acuity is highest. It contains a high concentration of cone cells and is crucial for tasks requiring detailed vision, such as reading and driving.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The fovea is located in the center of the macula region of the retina.
2. It contains only cone cells, which are responsible for color vision and high spatial acuity.
3. The fovea has no blood vessels to avoid obstructing light, relying on the surrounding retinal areas for nutrient supply.
4. It covers about 1% of the retinal area but accounts for over 50% of the visual cortex processing information.
5. Conditions like macular degeneration can severely affect the function of the fovea, leading to loss of central vision.

Review Questions

• Where in the retina is the fovea located?
• What type of photoreceptor cells are found exclusively in the fovea?
• How does macular degeneration impact the fovea?

Related terms

Retina:

The light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that converts light into neural signals.

Macula: An area in the center of the retina that includes the fovea and is responsible for detailed central vision.

Cone Cells: Photoreceptor cells in the retina that detect color and are concentrated in the fovea for high-acuity vision.