Fóvea

Fóvea, or fovea centralis in English, is a small, specialized region at the center of the retina, within the macula lutea. It is the region of highest visual acuity and color sensitivity, enabling detailed central vision.

Anatomically, the fóvea forms a shallow pit on the retinal surface. The center, known as the foveola, contains densely packed cone photoreceptors and, notably, very few or no rods. The inner retinal layers are displaced laterally away from the center to reduce light scattering, creating an unobstructed path for light to reach the photoreceptors. The fovea also contains a foveal avascular zone, an area lacking retinal blood vessels, which minimizes light obstruction; nourishment comes from the underlying choroid and small surrounding vessels.

Functionally, the fóvea provides high-resolution vision essential for tasks requiring fine detail and accurate color perception in good lighting. Visual fixation is typically directed so that light from the object of interest falls onto the fovea.

Development and variation: The fóvea forms during fetal development and matures after birth as the inner retinal layers are displaced. Its exact size and cone density vary among individuals, contributing to differences in visual acuity.

Clinical significance: Damage or degeneration of the fóvea, such as in age-related macular degeneration or macular edema, causes central vision loss. Diagnosis relies on ophthalmoscopy, OCT, and other imaging modalities.

Comparative anatomy: A fóvea or area centralis exists in humans and many other primates, with similar specialization for high-acuity vision; other species may have analogous regions with different structural arrangements.