Which nerve transmits the image from the retina to the brain?

• A. Oculomotor nerve
• B. Trigeminal nerve
• C. Optic nerve
• D. Vestibulocochlear nerve

Answer: (C)

Visual information travels from the retina to the brain via the optic nerve. The retina detects light with photoreceptors, and the resulting neural signals travel through retinal ganglion cells whose axons form the optic nerve. This nerve exits the eye and carries the signal toward the brain, continuing through the optic chiasm and into the thalamus before finally reaching the primary visual cortex. The other nerves listed have different roles: the oculomotor nerve controls most eye movements and pupil constriction, the trigeminal nerve handles facial sensation and chewing, and the vestibulocochlear nerve is involved in hearing and balance.