AST Surgical Technologist Practice Exam

What is the fibrous white layer that gives the eye its shape?

1. Sclera

2. Cornea

3. Iris

4. Retina

The correct answer is: Sclera

The fibrous white layer that gives the eye its shape is the sclera. This tough outer coat of the eyeball provides structural support and protection. It serves as an attachment point for the extraocular muscles, which are important for eye movement. The sclera works in conjunction with other eye components to maintain the overall integrity of the eye, ensuring that it retains its shape while allowing for various functions, such as focusing light. The cornea, while also a part of the eye's outer structure, is the transparent front part responsible for light refraction but does not contribute to the shape in the same way as the sclera. The iris, located behind the cornea, functions to control the amount of light that enters the eye through the pupil and gives the eye its color. The retina is the innermost layer of the eye that receives and processes visual information but does not play a role in giving the eye its shape. Understanding the specific roles of these components highlights why the sclera is identified as the layer responsible for the eye's shape.