The inner coat of the eye is an extension of the optic nerve and consists of which of the following?

The inner coat of the eye, also known as the retina, is crucial for vision as it contains light-sensitive cells called rods and cones. Rods are responsible for vision in low light conditions and peripheral vision, while cones are responsible for color vision and detail in brighter light. This structure is an extension of the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the retina to the brain. Understanding this function is vital for grasping how visual signals are processed.

In contrast, the other options include components that do not constitute the inner coat of the eye. Pigment and fluid relate more to the overall structure of the eye and its various parts rather than being a specific aspect of the inner coat. Muscles and ligaments are associated with eye movement and stability but do not play a role in the formation of the inner coat. The lens and cornea are involved in focusing light onto the retina but are distinct from the retinal structure itself.