What role does the retina play in the eye?

The retina is a crucial component of the eye that is responsible for converting light rays into electrical impulses. It contains photoreceptor cells known as rods and cones. These cells detect light and color and are essential for vision. When light enters the eye, it passes through the lens and is focused onto the retina. The photoreceptor cells then transform the light into chemical signals, which are converted into electrical impulses sent through the optic nerve to the brain, where they are interpreted as images. This process of transduction is essential for vision, allowing us to perceive our surroundings.

The other roles mentioned in the choices pertain to other structures within the eye. For instance, focusing light onto the lens is a function of the cornea and lens themselves, while regulating pupil size is primarily the job of the iris. The protective outer layer of the eye is provided by the sclera and cornea, which shield the inner components from damage and infection.