Final answer:
Rods and cones in the retina primarily form synapses with bipolar cells, which then connect to retinal ganglion cells. The axons of these ganglion cells make up the optic nerve. B is the correct option.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the retina, rods and cones form synapses predominantly with bipolar cells. The photoreceptors (rods and cones) modify their membrane potential in response to light, which impacts the neurotransmitter release onto bipolar cells in the outer synaptic layer.
Bipolar cells are the intermediary cells that connect photoreceptors to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the inner synaptic layer.
Contrary to the connections formed by rods and cones, it is the axons of the RGCs that merge at the optic disc to form the optic nerve.