Parts of the Eye + Functions Flashcards
Sclerotic Layer
a tough, white-coloured protective layer that surrounds the eye and helps maintain its shape
Conjunctiva
a clear, thin layer covering the front of the eye. And infection of the eye call conjunctivitis can occur here
Cornea
a clear ‘window’ in the sclerotic layer and under the conjunctiva that allows light to enter the eye
Pupil
a hole in the centre of the iris. In the dark the pupil opens up to let more light in. It is then said to be dilated. When very bright, the pupil shuts down to a smaller hole
Aqueous Humour
a watery liquid that fills the space between the cornea and the lens. Helps maintain the shape of the eye
Iris
just in front of the lens. Changes size to control the size of the pupil. It also gives eyes their colour.
Ciliary Muscles
change the shape of the lens to bring images into focus
Suspensory Ligaments
hold the lens in place
Lens
a clear jelly-like ‘window’ that helps focus an image on the back surface of the eye
Optic Nerve
joins the eye to the brain. Passes information about the image to the brain for processing so that the image is seen the right way up
Blind Spot
where blood vessels and the optic nerve join the eyeball. There are no light sensitive cells to detect image information
Yellow Spot (Fovea)
a section of the retina directly behind the pupil that contains a large number of colour-sensitive cells. This is why you should look directly at an object to see it most clearly
Retina
a layer containing over 100 million light sensitive cells which transmit messages to the brain
Choroid
a black layer that forms part of the inside lining of the eye behind the lens. It prevents light from reflecting all around the eye and nourishes it with blood and oxygen
Vitreous Humour
a jelly that helps maintain the shape of the eye
