Sources block
A sources block is the list of links an AI answer shows apart from its text, such as at the end or in a side panel.
A sources block is the list of pages an AI answer shows apart from the text of the answer itself: at the bottom, under a "Sources" button, or in a panel beside it. The other way to show a source is an inline citation, a link placed next to the sentence it supports.
The difference matters because people read the answer, and fewer of them open the list. A link in the block still means your page helped shape the answer. It's just less likely to be seen or clicked.
Inline or in the block
Each platform lays its sources out its own way, and they change it often. Some put links in the text, some collect them in a list, and many do both, with a few links inline and more in the block. Google says its AI features show links to supporting sites, in its guide for site owners.
So when you see that a page was cited, it's worth asking where. A page linked next to the sentence that names you is doing more for you than the same page sitting sixth in a list.
An example
For example, an answer about oak dining tables names Harrow & Pine in its second paragraph and links a home magazine's review right there. The sources block lists six more pages, and Harrow & Pine's own care guide is one of them.
Both pages shaped the answer. A reader checking the claim about Harrow & Pine clicks the magazine, though, and probably never opens the list.
In AnswerOrbit
We keep every page an answer used and mark the ones it linked to as cited. Open an answer in Answers to see them under its text. Citations per answer shows how many times your pages are linked in each answer that used them.