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AnatomyHead and neckOrbit and contentsFovea centralis
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AnatomyHead and neckOrbit and contentsFovea centralis

Fovea centralis

Author: Edwin Ocran, MBChB, MSc • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: February 13, 2024
Reading time: 2 minutes

Recommended video: Eyeball [25:37]
Structure of the eyeball seen in a transverse section.
Fovea centralis
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Synonyms: Central retinal fovea

The fovea centralis is a specialized area of the retina that has the highest visual acuity (sharpest vision). Specifically, it is a depression located within the center of the macula lutea, the rounded yellowish area of the retina situated just lateral to the optic disc. It measures about 1.5 mm in diameter and is directly opposite the pupil, corresponding to where the visual axis (the path light follows through the eye) meets the retina.

The fovea centralis is the thinnest area of the retina. It has the highest density of cone photoreceptor cells, which are responsible for color vision and function best in bright light. It contains almost no rod cells, which facilitate vision in dim light conditions and are insensitive to colour. The central portion of the fovea centralis is called the foveola. Unlike other areas of the retina, this region lacks capillaries, allowing light to fall directly on the cones.

Terminology English: Fovea centralis
Latin: Fovea centralis
Definition Conical depression within the center of the macula lutea of the retina
Function High-acuity central vision

Learn more about the fovea centralis of the retina and the anatomy of the eyeball in the following study unit:

Anatomy of the eyeball Explore study unit

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.
  • Drake, R., Vogl, W., Mitchell, A. & Gray, H. (2015). Gray's anatomy for students. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier.
  • McKinley, M. & Loughlin, V. (2012). Human anatomy. New York: McGraw-Hill.
  • Mescher, A. L., & Junqueira, L. C. (2013). Junqueira's basic histology: Text & atlas. McGraw-Hill Medical.
  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone

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