Does the apical side of the RPE face the retina or Bruch's membrane?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $9.99Unlock all

Study for the NBEO Ocular Anatomy Posterior Segment and Cranial Nerves Test. Prepare using flashcards and multiple choice questions. Get ready for your exam with hints and explanations for each question!

Multiple Choice

Does the apical side of the RPE face the retina or Bruch's membrane?

Explanation:
The apical surface of the retinal pigment epithelium faces the retina, specifically the photoreceptor outer segments. This is where the RPE’s microvilli interdigitate with the photoreceptors to support daily renewal and phagocytosis of shed discs—a key function for maintaining photoreceptor health. The basal surface of the RPE sits on Bruch’s membrane, which lies between the RPE and the choroid. So the side toward the retina is the apical side, while the side toward Bruch’s membrane is the basal side.

The apical surface of the retinal pigment epithelium faces the retina, specifically the photoreceptor outer segments. This is where the RPE’s microvilli interdigitate with the photoreceptors to support daily renewal and phagocytosis of shed discs—a key function for maintaining photoreceptor health. The basal surface of the RPE sits on Bruch’s membrane, which lies between the RPE and the choroid. So the side toward the retina is the apical side, while the side toward Bruch’s membrane is the basal side.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy