Anatomy: retinal layers: practice question

A Ophthalmology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Ophthalmology · Anatomy: retinal layers

Sample item

The retina has ten layers. Which layer lies immediately internal to the photoreceptor layer of rods and cones?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. External limiting membrane

From outside in the layers are RPE, photoreceptors, external limiting membrane, outer nuclear layer, outer plexiform layer, inner nuclear layer, inner plexiform layer, ganglion cell layer, nerve fibre layer and internal limiting membrane. The RPE lies external to the photoreceptors.

Option by option

  • A. Outer plexiform layer

    The outer plexiform layer lies deeper, after the outer nuclear layer.

  • B. Ganglion cell layer

    The ganglion cell layer is far internal.

  • C. External limiting membrane (correct)

    Correct. The external limiting membrane follows the photoreceptor segments.

  • D. Retinal pigment epithelium

    The RPE is external to the photoreceptors, not internal.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is C, External limiting membrane. From outside in the layers are RPE, photoreceptors, external limiting membrane, outer nuclear layer, outer plexiform layer, inner nuclear layer, inner plexiform layer, ganglion cell layer, nerve fibre layer and internal limiting membrane.

Why is "Outer plexiform layer" not the answer?

The outer plexiform layer lies deeper, after the outer nuclear layer.

Why is "Ganglion cell layer" not the answer?

The ganglion cell layer is far internal.

Why is "Retinal pigment epithelium" not the answer?

The RPE is external to the photoreceptors, not internal.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Anatomy: retinal layers in Ophthalmology. The RPE lies external to the photoreceptors.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Anatomy: retinal layers?

Group the red eye by what to examine and what the pupil does. Then use the flashcards and the other Ophthalmology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.