Macula Lutea

Synonym(s): Lutea, Macula

Definition: Oval area of the retina, 3 to 5 mm in diameter, usually located temporally to the posterior pole of the eye and slightly below the level of the optic disc. It is characterised by the presence of yellow pigment diffusely impregnating the inner layers, contains the fovea centralis in its centre and offers the best phototropic visual acuity. It has no retinal blood vessels, except at the periphery, and is nourished by the choriocapillaris of the choroid (from Cline et al, Dictionary of Visual Science, 4th ed).

Generic term(s)

• Sensory organs
• Eye
• Retina
• Macula Lutea

See also

• Fovea centralis