In the context of AP Psychology, which of the following best describes the function of the retina in response to visual stimuli?

• A. The retina focuses incoming light onto the lens for clear vision.
• B. The retina controls the amount of light entering the eye by adjusting the size of the pupil.
• C. The retina converts light energy into neural impulses that are sent to the brain.
• D. The retina is responsible for moving the eye in response to visual stimuli.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of the retina in the visual system: The retina is a layer at the back of the eye that contains photoreceptor cells.
2. Recognize that photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) in the retina detect light and convert it into electrical signals.
3. Know that these electrical signals are then transmitted via the optic nerve to the brain for visual processing.
4. Differentiate the retina's function from other parts of the eye: the lens focuses light, the iris controls pupil size, and eye movement is controlled by muscles, not the retina.
5. Conclude that the retina's primary function is to convert light energy into neural impulses that the brain can interpret as visual information.