Final Answer:
C) Cornea because The cornea, as the eye's transparent outer layer, focuses incoming light onto the retina, playing a crucial role in vision.
Step-by-step explanation:
The highlighted structure in the image is the cornea. The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped front surface of the eye that covers the iris and the pupil. It plays a crucial role in focusing light onto the retina, contributing significantly to the eye's overall refractive power.
The cornea acts as a powerful lens, bending and focusing incoming light onto the retina at the back of the eye. This process is essential for clear vision. Unlike the lens, which can change shape to adjust focus (accommodation), the cornea provides a fixed refractive power. Together with the lens, the cornea helps to form a sharp and clear image on the retina, allowing the eyes to perceive visual information.
The cornea is also responsible for protecting the eye from dust, debris, and harmful microorganisms. It does this by serving as a barrier and by producing a layer of tear film that helps maintain the eye's surface moisture. Overall, the cornea is a vital component of the eye's optical system, contributing significantly to the process of vision by directing light onto the retina for the formation of visual signals.