What function does the retina serve in the eye?

The retina plays a critical role in vision, primarily by converting light that enters the eye into electrical signals. These signals are then transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve, allowing for the interpretation of visual information. The retina contains photoreceptors called rods and cones, which are sensitive to light; rods are responsible for vision in low light conditions, while cones are essential for color vision and detail in brighter light.

This function of transmitting impulses is fundamental to how we perceive images and is at the core of the visual processing pathway. While other components of the eye, such as the lens and cornea, focus light rays onto the retina, and the eye includes structures that support the optic nerve, the specific function of the retina is to capture and relay visual information to the brain.