Eye Structure

aqueous humor

fills posterior cavity of eye

choroid coat

posterior five-sixths of middle (vascular) tunic

ciliary muscles

cause lens to change shape

conjunctiva

inner lining of eyelid

cornea

transparent anterior portion of outer tunic

iris

smooth muscle that controls light entering the eye

lacrimal gland

secretes tears

optic disc

area where optic nerve exits the eye

retina

contains visual receptors called rods and cones

sclera

white part of outer (fibrous) tunic

suspensory ligament

connects lens to ciliary body

vitreous humor

fills anterior and posterior chambers of the anterior cavity of the eye

list the structures and fluids through which light passes as it travels from the cornea to the retina:

cornea → aqueous humor → pupil → lens → vitreous humor → retina

list three ways in which rods and cones differ in structure or function:

1. rods are long and cylindrical, while cones are short and cone-shaped

2. rods are highly sensitive to light and function best in dark conditions, while cones require bright light to function

3. rods only perceive black, white, and shades of grey, while cones allow for color vision/perception

anterior portion of the eye:

1. aqueous humor

2. lens

3. cornea

4. iris

5. conjunctiva

posterior portion of the eye:

1. retina

2. vitreous humor

3. optic disc

4. optic nerve

5. choroid coat

6. sclera