Which layer of the retina is associated with the orientation of fibers in the optic tract?

The Ganglion Cell Layer is the correct answer because it is composed of ganglion cells whose axons form the optic nerve, which ultimately leads to the optic tract. These ganglion cells are responsible for processing visual information and sending signals to the brain, specifically to the lateral geniculate nucleus. The orientation of the fibers in the optic tract is directly linked to the arrangement and connectivity of these ganglion cells, as they are the last layer of neurons in the retina before the visual information exits through the optic nerve.

In contrast, the other layers mentioned have different functions and structures. The Inner Nuclear Layer contains bipolar and horizontal cells, which play a role in the initial stages of visual processing but do not directly correlate with the orientation of the optical fibers. The Retinal Pigment Epithelium supports photoreceptors and is crucial for visual cycle processes, while the Inner Limiting Membrane acts as a boundary separating the retina from the vitreous body, without being directly involved in the transmission of visual information through the optic tract. Thus, focusing on the connectivity and functions of the Ganglion Cell Layer clarifies its role in the orientation of optic fibers.