In the context of visual anatomy, what is the primary function of the retina in the human eye?

• A. It focuses incoming light onto the lens.
• B. It controls the amount of light entering the eye by adjusting the size of the pupil.
• C. It produces tears to keep the eye moist.
• D. It converts light into neural signals that are sent to the brain.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the retina is a crucial part of the eye involved in processing visual information.
2. Recognize that the retina contains photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) which detect light.
3. Know that these photoreceptors convert the light into electrical signals, a process called phototransduction.
4. These electrical signals are then transmitted via the optic nerve to the brain for interpretation.
5. Therefore, the primary function of the retina is to convert light into neural signals that the brain can understand.