What is the primary function of the sclera?

The primary function of the sclera is protection and support. The sclera is the white, outer layer of the eyeball, which encases the more delicate inner structures such as the retina and vitreous body. It provides a tough protective barrier against injury and helps maintain the shape of the eye, ensuring that the internal components remain in their proper positions for optimal function.

This structural integrity is essential for maintaining the eye's overall health and function, as any compromise to the sclera can lead to serious complications, such as perforation or rupture of the eye. The sclera also serves as an important site for the attachment of the eye muscles, allowing for controlled movement of the eye in various directions.

In contrast to the function of the sclera, other choices reflect different aspects of eye anatomy or physiology. Light refraction is primarily achieved by the cornea and lens, color perception is related to the retinas' photoreceptor cells (cones and rods), and fluid regulation is managed by structures within the anterior segment of the eye, such as the ciliary body and the trabecular meshwork.