Anatomy and physiology of the eye: macular nutrition: 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 and physiology of the eye: macular nutrition

Sample item

In a patient with a choroidal vascular occlusion, central vision falls sharply even though the retinal arteries look normal. Which tissue supplies the photoreceptors of the fovea, where there are no retinal capillaries?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Choriocapillaris

The foveal avascular zone is nourished by diffusion from the choriocapillaris through Bruch membrane and the pigment epithelium. Retinal capillaries stop at the edge of this zone. A choroidal problem therefore hits central vision first.

Option by option

  • A. Cilioretinal artery

    A cilioretinal artery, when present, supplies part of the papillomacular area but is not the source in all eyes.

  • B. Vortex veins

    Vortex veins drain the choroid and carry no blood to the fovea.

  • C. Central retinal artery branches

    Central retinal artery branches feed the inner retina but not the foveal photoreceptors.

  • D. Choriocapillaris (correct)

    Correct. The choriocapillaris supplies the avascular foveal photoreceptors by diffusion.

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 D, Choriocapillaris. The foveal avascular zone is nourished by diffusion from the choriocapillaris through Bruch membrane and the pigment epithelium.

Why is "Cilioretinal artery" not the answer?

A cilioretinal artery, when present, supplies part of the papillomacular area but is not the source in all eyes.

Why is "Vortex veins" not the answer?

Vortex veins drain the choroid and carry no blood to the fovea.

Why is "Central retinal artery branches" not the answer?

Central retinal artery branches feed the inner retina but not the foveal photoreceptors.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Anatomy and physiology of the eye: macular nutrition in Ophthalmology. Retinal capillaries stop at the edge of this zone. A choroidal problem therefore hits central vision first.

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 and physiology of the eye: macular nutrition?

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.