AP Psychology Practice Test

Where is the blind spot located in the eye?

1. Near the fovea

2. At the front of the eye

3. Where the optic nerve leaves the eye

4. Around the edge of the retina

The correct answer is: Where the optic nerve leaves the eye

The blind spot in the eye is located where the optic nerve leaves the retina. This area lacks photoreceptors—rods and cones—because it is where the optic nerve fibers exit the eye to transmit visual information to the brain. Since there are no light-sensitive cells in this region, it results in a gap in the visual field, which is referred to as the blind spot. This anatomical feature is significant because it highlights how the eyes collect and process visual information; although this region does not contribute to our perception of the visual field, our brains typically fill in the missing parts seamlessly based on surrounding information. The other options do not accurately describe the location of the blind spot. The fovea is the area responsible for sharp central vision and is densely packed with photoreceptors. The front of the eye contains structures like the cornea and lens, which focus light but do not account for the blind spot. Lastly, while the edges of the retina have different sensitivity to light and color, they do not represent the blind spot.