Which term is the pigmented cell layer outside the neurosensory retina that nourishes retinal visual cells?

• A. Vitreous
• B. Aqueous
• C. Retinal pigment epithelium
• D. Optic nerve

Answer: (C)

Nourishing and supporting the light-sensing cells is the job of the retinal pigment epithelium. This pigmented cell layer sits just outside the neurosensory retina, between the retina and the choroid. It delivers nutrients from the choroidal blood supply to the photoreceptors, and it clears away old photoreceptor outer segments by phagocytosis, keeping those cells healthy and renewing. It also plays a part in the visual cycle by recycling retinoids needed to respond to light, and its pigment helps absorb excess light to reduce glare.

Vitreous is the gel filling the eye’s interior, not a nourishing pigmented layer. Aqueous is the clear fluid in the anterior and posterior chambers, not directly nourishing the retina. The optic nerve carries visual signals to the brain, not a nourishing retinal layer.