macula lutea

macula

An oval area in the retina, usually located temporal to the posterior pole of the eye and slightly below the level of the optic disk. It is characterized by the presence of a yellow pigment diffusely permeating the inner layers, contains the fovea centralis in its center, and provides the best phototopic visual acuity. It is devoid of retinal blood vessels, except in its periphery, and receives nourishment from the choriocapillaris of the choroid. (From Cline et al., Dictionary of Visual Science, 4th ed).

Type Vessel
Parent Structure organ part
Latin Name macula
FMA ID 58637

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the macula lutea appear yellow?
The macula lutea gets its name from its yellow color (Latin: 'yellow spot'), which is caused by the accumulation of xanthophyll carotenoid pigments — primarily lutein and zeaxanthin — in the inner retinal layers. These pigments act as short-wavelength light filters, reducing chromatic aberration and protecting photoreceptors from blue light and phototoxic damage.
What is the central structure within the macula lutea?
At the center of the macula lutea lies the fovea centralis — a small pit where the retina thins out and inner layers are displaced peripherally, allowing maximum photoreceptor density. The fovea contains almost exclusively cone photoreceptors (approximately 150,000 per mm²) and no rods, making it the site of highest visual acuity and color discrimination. The very center of the fovea is the foveola.
What conditions affect the macula lutea?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults, involving progressive damage to the macula. AMD has two forms: dry (atrophic, with drusen deposits and geographic atrophy) and wet (neovascular, with choroidal neovascularization causing rapid central vision loss). Other macular conditions include macular hole, diabetic macular edema, and epiretinal membrane — all impairing central vision while typically sparing peripheral vision.

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Educational Disclaimer

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Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.