In visual anatomy, what is the best definition of the blind spot?

• A. The region of the cornea that bends incoming light to focus it onto the retina
• B. A temporary loss of vision caused by fatigue in the rods after prolonged viewing in dim light
• C. The area of the retina with the highest concentration of cones responsible for sharp central vision
• D. The point in the retina where the optic nerve leaves the eye, creating an area with no photoreceptors

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the blind spot refers to a specific area in the retina related to the optic nerve.
2. Recall that the optic nerve is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain.
3. Recognize that where the optic nerve exits the retina, there are no photoreceptor cells (rods or cones) present.
4. Since photoreceptors detect light, the absence of these cells means this area cannot detect visual stimuli, creating a 'blind spot'.
5. Therefore, the best definition of the blind spot is the point in the retina where the optic nerve leaves the eye, resulting in an area without photoreceptors.