Which retinal layer receives blood supply from both the choroid and the central retinal artery?

• A. Outer Plexiform Layer
• B. Inner Nuclear Layer
• C. Inner Plexiform Layer
• D. Internal Limiting Membrane

Answer: (A)

The retina has two vascular systems: the inner retinal circulation from the central retinal artery and the outer retinal circulation from the choroid. The central retinal artery nourishes the inner layers all the way down to the inner border of the outer plexiform layer, while the choroid (via the choriocapillaris) feeds the outer nuclear layer and photoreceptors. The outer plexiform layer sits right at the boundary between these two territories, where vessels from both circulations form a capillary network. This dual supply at the border makes the outer plexiform layer the layer that receives blood from both the choroid and the central retinal artery. The inner limiting membrane, and the inner retinal layers themselves, are primarily served by the inner retinal circulation rather than both sources.