What is the tiny pit in the retina, where the lens focuses an image, known as?

The tiny pit in the retina where the lens focuses an image is known as the fovea. The fovea is a specialized part of the retina that is highly sensitive to light and is responsible for sharp central vision. It contains a high concentration of photoreceptor cells, specifically cone cells, which are crucial for detecting fine detail and color. This area allows for the highest visual acuity and is essential for tasks such as reading and observing intricate details.

In contrast, the optic nerve refers to the nerve that transmits visual information from the retina to the brain, while the general term retina describes the entire layer of tissue at the back of the eye that includes the fovea but is not specific to the pit itself. Photoreceptors are the cells within the retina that detect light, divided into rods and cones, but do not pinpoint the small area of highest visual acuity like the fovea does.