AP Psych: Human Eye Anatomy

sclera

the supportive wall of the eye that maintains its shape and protects it

cornea

the clear outer part on the front of the eye that focuses vision

pupil

the opening at the center of the iris that allows light

iris

the colored part of the eye that regulates the amount of light entering

lens

the clear part behind the iris that helps focus light on the retina

vitreous humor

the transparent mass that makes up 2/3 of the eyeball between the lens and retina that presses against the inside to help the eye to keep its shape

ciliary muscles

the muscles that move the eye to place an image on the fovea for maximum resolution

retina

the light-sensitive tissue that converts light into electrical impulses that are sent to the brain

fovea

the region responsible for sharp central high-acuity vision

optic nerve

the large sensory nerve that carries sight impulses from the retina to the brain

blind spot

the region without photoreceptor celss in which light that falls does not form any image

cons

photoreceptor cells that process low light levels

rods

photoreceptor cells that process color vision

aqueous humor

the liquid that maintains proper pressure in the eye

choroid

the layer of tissue that provides oxygen and nourishment to the outer retina and posterior eye

suspensory ligament

ligaments that keep the eyeball in its normal upward and forward position