The retina originates as an outgrowth from which brain region?

The retina originates as an outgrowth from which brain region?

• A. Optic vesicle, outpouching of the diencephalon
• B. Telencephalon
• C. Mesencephalon
• D. Hindbrain

Answer: (A)

The retina forms from an outgrowth of the forebrain, specifically from the diencephalon. This outgrowth is called the optic vesicle. As development proceeds, the optic vesicle invaginates to form the optic cup, whose inner layer becomes the neural retina and whose outer layer becomes the retinal pigment epithelium. The optic stalk connecting the optic cup to the diencephalon gives rise to the optic nerve. So the retina’s origin is the optic vesicle, an outgrowth of the diencephalon, rather than arising from the telencephalon, midbrain, or hindbrain.

The retina forms from an outgrowth of the forebrain, specifically from the diencephalon. This outgrowth is called the optic vesicle. As development proceeds, the optic vesicle invaginates to form the optic cup, whose inner layer becomes the neural retina and whose outer layer becomes the retinal pigment epithelium. The optic stalk connecting the optic cup to the diencephalon gives rise to the optic nerve. So the retina’s origin is the optic vesicle, an outgrowth of the diencephalon, rather than arising from the telencephalon, midbrain, or hindbrain.