What is the fibrous outer coat that protects the eye called?

The fibrous outer coat that protects the eye is called the sclera. This tough, white layer serves several important functions, including providing structural support and protecting the internal components of the eye. The sclera is continuous with the cornea, which is the clear front part of the eye that helps focus light. It also serves as an attachment point for the eye muscles, aiding in eye movement. Understanding the role of the sclera is essential for grasping how the eye maintains its shape and protects delicate visual structures beneath it.

The iris, lens, and retina have distinct functions; the iris regulates the amount of light entering the eye, the lens focuses light onto the retina, and the retina contains photoreceptors that capture light and send visual information to the brain. Each of these components plays a crucial role in vision but does not serve the protective function that is characteristic of the sclera.