What is a tapeta?

A tapeta, or tapetum, refers to a layer of tissue in the eye of many vertebrates, located behind the retina. It reflects light that passes through the retina back into the eye, enhancing night vision by providing a second chance for photoreceptor cells to capture photons. This structure is responsible for the characteristic "glow" seen in the eyes of animals like cats and dogs when illuminated in low light conditions. The tapetum is not present in human eyes.