OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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Prepare for the OCR GCSE Biology Exam with our comprehensive study resources. Practice with quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations to enhance your understanding. Ace your exam and secure your academic success!

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What is the main role of the optic nerve?

To focus light on the retina
To carry visual information to the brain
To control eye movement
To produce tears

The correct answer is: To carry visual information to the brain

The optic nerve plays a crucial role in the visual system by transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain. Once light is focused on the retina, photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) convert the light signals into electrical impulses. The optic nerve collects these impulses and carries them through the optic chiasm and into the visual processing centers of the brain. This process is essential for visual perception, allowing us to interpret what we see. The other options refer to different functions: focusing light on the retina is primarily the role of the lens and cornea; controlling eye movement is managed by several muscles surrounding the eyeball; and tear production is conducted by the lacrimal glands. Each of these functions is important for vision but does not involve the transmission of visual information, which is the specific role of the optic nerve.