What is the function of the retina?

The retina plays a crucial role in the visual system by converting light into neural signals that the brain can interpret as images. It contains photoreceptor cells known as rods and cones, which respond to light and enable us to perceive our surroundings. Rods are responsible for vision in low light conditions, while cones are involved in color vision and detail in brighter conditions. This transformation of light into electrical signals occurs as the photoreceptors detect light intensity and wavelength, sending these signals through the optic nerve to the brain, where they are processed and perceived as visual images.

In contrast, regulating the amount of light entering the eye is primarily the function of the iris and the pupil, not the retina. The focusing of images onto the retina is the responsibility of the cornea and the lens. While the retina does indeed contribute to color sensitivity through its cone cells, the primary function directly related to visual perception is the conversion of light into neural signals.