retina
UK: ˈrɛtɪnə | US: ˈrɛtɪnə
n. A light-sensitive layer of tissue lining the inner surface of the eye, responsible for converting light into neural signals for vision.
The word retina traces back to the Latin rete (net), reflecting its intricate, web-like vascular structure observed by early anatomists. The suffix -a standardizes it as a feminine noun in Latin, a common pattern in medical terminology. The term highlights the retina’s functional analogy to a "net" capturing light stimuli.
The retina transmits visual information to the brain via the optic nerve.
Damage to the retina can lead to permanent vision loss.
The ophthalmologist examined her retina for signs of degeneration.
Retinal scans are used for biometric identification.
The study focused on how the retina processes color and motion.