The Visual System Flashcards
absolute threshold
smallest possible strength of stimulus that can be detected half the time
hue (wavelength)
distance from one wave peak to another
brightness (frequency)
number of sound waves per second
trichromatic theory
theory that the sensation of colors results because cones are sensitive to red, green, and blue lights
opponent process
color vision is the process of opposing color receptors when one member of the pair is stimulated
pupil
opening in the middle of the iris
-> changes size to let light in
lens
a transparent structure that bends light as it enters the eye
retina
a thin, light sensitive membrane
cornea
clear window on front of eye
iris
colored part of eye that surrounds pupil
rods
long, thin sensory receptors
cones
short, thick, pointed sensory receptors
fovea
small area in center of retina
blind spot
where the optic nerve leaves the eye, producing a gap in visions
optic nerve
nerve that exits from the back of the eye
-> carries visual info to the visual cortex of the brain
size constancy
an object remains constant in size regardless of its distance from the observer
shape constancy
recognition of shape despite the angle its viewed at
linear perspective
longer/taller objects appear closer
interposition
one object overlaps another
atmospheric perspective
mountains appear blue
nearness to horizon
objects close to the horizon appear far away
proximity
close items are grouped
similarity
similar items are grouped
continuity
string of items will project the probable location of next object
