4.7 Structures of the Retina

These flashcards cover the key concepts related to the structure and function of the retina and its components.

What are the two main types of photoreceptors in the retina?

Cones and rods.

What is the primary function of cones in the retina?

Cones are important for fine detail and color vision.

Where are cones predominantly located in the retina?

In the central portion of the retina, particularly in the fovea.

What is the role of rods in vision?

Rods are specialized for low light conditions and are sensitive to motion.

What is dark adaptation?

The process by which vision improves in low light conditions as rods become more active.

Explain transduction in the context of the retina.

Transduction is the conversion of light energy into action potentials that the brain can use.

What are bipolar neurons responsible for in the retina?

They connect photoreceptors to ganglion cells and pass on action potentials.

What is the optic nerve's function?

It transmits visual information from the ganglion cells to the brain.

What causes the blind spot in our vision?

The optic disc, where there are no photoreceptors due to the collection of axons.

Why don't we normally notice the blind spot in our vision?

Our brain fills in the blind spot with surrounding information and our eyes constantly adjust to each other.