Which statement correctly describes the outer blood-retinal barrier?

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

Which statement correctly describes the outer blood-retinal barrier?

Explanation:
The outer blood-retinal barrier is formed by tight junctions between adjacent retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells at their apical surfaces, which face the photoreceptor outer segments. These apical junctions seal the space between RPE cells and regulate what can move from the choroidal blood (through Bruch's membrane) into the neural retina, keeping the subretinal environment stable for the photoreceptors. This is different from the inner barrier, which comes from tight junctions between retinal capillary endothelial cells and separates the retinal tissue from the bloodstream. So, tight junctions at the apical surface of the RPE create the outer BRB.

The outer blood-retinal barrier is formed by tight junctions between adjacent retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells at their apical surfaces, which face the photoreceptor outer segments. These apical junctions seal the space between RPE cells and regulate what can move from the choroidal blood (through Bruch's membrane) into the neural retina, keeping the subretinal environment stable for the photoreceptors. This is different from the inner barrier, which comes from tight junctions between retinal capillary endothelial cells and separates the retinal tissue from the bloodstream. So, tight junctions at the apical surface of the RPE create the outer BRB.

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