The RPE is firmly attached to which structure?

The RPE is firmly attached to which structure?

• A. Retinal nerve
• B. Vitreous
• C. Sclera
• D. Choroid

Answer: (D)

The retinal pigment epithelium is firmly attached to Bruch's membrane, the innermost layer of the choroid. This tight adhesion keeps the outer retina intimately apposed to the vascular layer that supplies nutrients, which is why the RPE sits directly on Bruch's membrane in imaging. Because Bruch's membrane is part of the choroidal complex, the RPE is effectively attached to the choroid. It isn’t directly bound to the retinal nerve, the vitreous, or the sclera, which are located in different anatomical relationships. This strong RPE–Bruch's membrane–choroid attachment underpins outer retinal integrity and helps explain findings like detachments when this interface is disrupted.

The retinal pigment epithelium is firmly attached to Bruch's membrane, the innermost layer of the choroid. This tight adhesion keeps the outer retina intimately apposed to the vascular layer that supplies nutrients, which is why the RPE sits directly on Bruch's membrane in imaging. Because Bruch's membrane is part of the choroidal complex, the RPE is effectively attached to the choroid. It isn’t directly bound to the retinal nerve, the vitreous, or the sclera, which are located in different anatomical relationships. This strong RPE–Bruch's membrane–choroid attachment underpins outer retinal integrity and helps explain findings like detachments when this interface is disrupted.