A premature neonate is diagnosed with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The pathological process begins at the junction of vascularised and avascular retina. Which retinal layer supplies the inner retina with oxygen via diffusion from retinal vessels, while the outer retina depends on the choroidal circulation?

• A The inner nuclear layer and ganglion cell layer (supplied by central retinal artery branches) ✓
• B Retinal pigment epithelium
• C Photoreceptor layer (rods and cones) supplied by the central retinal artery directly
• D Müller cell processes throughout all layers

Explanation

The inner retina (ganglion cell layer, nerve fibre layer, inner plexiform and nuclear layers) receives its blood supply from branches of the central retinal artery — the only end-arterial supply to the inner retina. The outer retina (photoreceptors, outer nuclear layer) has no intrinsic vasculature and depends entirely on diffusion from the choroidal circulation through the retinal pigment epithelium. In ROP, hyperoxia causes obliteration of immature retinal vessels; subsequent hypoxia drives neovascularisation at the avascular-vascular border. This dual-circulation anatomy is the basis for understanding ischaemia patterns in retinal vascular disease.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.