Haidinger's brush is attributed to what property of Henle’s fiber layer in the macula?

Haidinger's brush is a visual phenomenon that appears as a yellow and blue pattern when viewed against a blue sky or similar background. This phenomenon is linked to the unique optical properties of the Henle’s fiber layer in the macula, which is composed of a network of fine, elongated nerve fibers.

The correct answer, birefringence, refers to the optical property of certain materials that have two different refractive indices depending on the direction of light passing through them. In the case of Henle's fiber layer, these fibers are organized in a way that causes them to exhibit birefringence. When light passes through this layer, it is split into two rays that travel at different velocities, creating the distinct visual pattern known as Haidinger's brush.

This optical behavior is significant because it helps to illustrate the complex interplay between the structural and functional aspects of the retinal layers and how they contribute to visual perception. Understanding birefringence in this context provides insight into the functioning of the macula and its role in high-resolution vision.

Other options such as absorption, reflection, and diffraction pertain to different optical phenomena that do not apply to the specific visual effects attributed to the Henle’s fiber layer. Absorption relates to the uptake of