The Senses Flashcards
Receptors
A cell or group of cells that detects a stimulus e.g. heat and light
A Sense Organ
Is an assembly of specialised sensory receptors
Conjunctiva
Protects against infection
Sclera
Keeps the shape of the eye
Cornea
☆ How is it suited to carry out its function? - Curved and Transparent
☆ Function = Bends light towards the retina
Choroid
Has blood vessels to nourish the eye
Iris
☆ Controls the amount of light entering the eye
☆ How? - Muscular contraction
Iris in bright light
Relaxes (gets longer, pupil gets smaller so less light enters the eye)
Iris in dim light
Contracts (gets smaller, pupils gets bigger so more light enters the eye)
Pupil
Allows light into the back of the eye
Lens
☆ Adaptations = Curved, elastic and transparent
☆ Function = To focus light onto the retina
Ciliary Muscle
Surrounds the lens and causes the shape of the lens to change when we look at near or far objects. This is a reflex action known as accommodation.
Suspensory ligaments
Holds the lens in place
Retina
☆ Converts light into nerve impulses
☆ Types = Rods and Cones
Rods
☆ Active in dim light
☆ Black and white vision
☆ Found all over retina
Cones
☆ Active in bright light
☆ Colour vision
☆ Found mostly at fovea
Fovea (Yellow Spot)
Is where most images are focused
Blind spot
☆ Where optic nerve leaves the eye
☆ No rods or cones here
Optic nerve
Brings impulses from the retina to the brain
Aqueous humour
Holds the front of the eye (cornea) in shape
Vitreous humour
Gives shape to the eye and supports the lens
Why are two eyes better than one?
☆ Increased visual field
☆ 3D vision
☆ Can judge distance of objects
Hearing
Detection of vibrations, their frequency and amplitude
Balance
Detection of direction of motion, acceleration and head position related to gravity