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

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

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.

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