HAP- Internal Anatomy of the Eye

Internal Anatomy of the Eye

What are the 3 tissue layers of the eye? 

1. Sclera 

2. Choroid 

3. Retina 

What is the sclera? 

The white of the eye; made of fibrous connective tissue; protects and shapes the eye. 

What is the choroid? 

A pigmented, vascular membrane that includes the iris and pupil. 

What is the retina? 

Contains photoreceptors that turn light energy into nerve impulses.

What is the cornea?

The thick, transparent tissue at the front of the eye that allows light to enter. 

What is the iris? 

The colored part of the eye, located behind the cornea. It works with the pupil to regulate light entering the eye. 

What is the pupil?

The opening in the center of the iris through which light enters.

How does the pupil respond to different light levels? 

In low light, the pupil opens wide to let more light in. In high light, the pupil becomes nearly closed to reduce light entering.

What is the lens? 

A semi-solid disc that directs light waves towards the retina. 

What controls the lens?

The lens is controlled by ciliary muscles and suspensory ligaments.

What do the ciliary muscles and suspensory ligaments do? 

They help bend or flatten the lens based on the distance of the image being viewed. 

What happens to the lens with age?

The lens becomes less elastic with age, causing some adults to need corrective lenses because they have difficulty focusing at certain distances. 

What is the aqueous humor?

A fluid located in front of the lens that nourishes the cornea. 

What is the vitreous humor?

A thick, jelly-like fluid located behind the lens that refracts light and fills the space between the lens and retina. 

What is the summary statement for the internal anatomy of the eye? 

The ciliary muscles adjust the shape of the lens, allowing light to hit the retina. The pupil and iris regulate the amount of light entering the eye and are protected by the cornea.