Optical Instruments and Human Eye Anatomy

A set of vocabulary flashcards defining optical instruments and the primary anatomical components of the human eye based on the physics lecture notes.

Optical Instruments

Instruments which operate mainly on reflection, refraction, diffraction, using mirror, glass prism, lens or any of them combined.

Sclera

A white, tough muscular outer layer of the eyeball that holds and gives the eye its spherical shape and serves as a protective layer.

Choroid

The black middle layer of the eyeball that helps to keep the inside dark, reduces reflection of light inside the eye, and supplies blood to the eye.

Cornea

A transparent structure located in front of the eye as part of the sclera, which refracts light rays falling on it into the eyeball and acts as the window of the eye.

Retina

The light-sensitive inner layer of the eyeball that serves as the screen where real and inverted images are focused.

Blind Spot

A portion on the retina where an image formed cannot be recognised.

Rods

Light-sensitive cells in the retina that are very active in dim light or night-time, allow the eye to appreciate black and white colours, and are better at detecting objects in motion.

Cones

Light-sensitive cells in the retina containing red, blue, and green pigments that are active in daylight and responsible for distinct, detailed vision and distinguishing colours.

Fovea (Yellow Spot)

A special portion on the retina where cones are primarily located, enabling clear, highly detailed images and accurate colour appreciation.