What part of the retina is located on the visual axis?

The part of the retina located on the visual axis is the fovea. The fovea is a small depression in the macula that contains a high concentration of cone photoreceptors, which are responsible for sharp central vision and color perception. This area is critical for tasks that require detailed vision, such as reading and driving.

The macula encompasses the fovea and is important for central vision, but specifically, the fovea is where the clearest vision occurs, as it is directly responsible for visual acuity. The optic disc, often referred to as the blind spot, does not contribute to vision because it is where the optic nerve exits the eye and lacks photoreceptors. The peripheral retina contains the remaining photoreceptors but is not involved in the highest acuity vision that is found along the visual axis. Thus, while the macula plays an important role, the fovea is specifically positioned on the visual axis and delivers the sharpest vision.