Vision and Visual Pathways

Flashcards focusing on vocabulary related to the anatomy and physiology of vision, as well as the pathways involved in visual processing.

Pupil

The opening that allows light to enter the eye and reach the retina.

Iris

A circular muscle that controls the size of the pupil.

Cornea

The transparent surface that covers the pupil and iris.

Sclera

The 'white of the eye'; continuous with the cornea.

Lens

Helps focus rays of light onto the retina.

Retina

Converts images into electrical impulses sent to the brain.

Macula

The central area of the retina specialized for central vision.

Fovea

The center of the retina where visual image is least distorted.

Optic Nerve

Carries impulses for vision from the retina to the brain.

Photoreceptors

Cells in the retina that convert light energy into neural activity.

Rods

Photoreceptors specialized for low light levels.

Cones

Photoreceptors specialized for higher light levels and color vision.

Retinotectal Pathway

Pathway from retina to the superior colliculus for subcortical vision.

Retinogeniculostriate Pathway

Pathway from retina through the thalamus to the primary visual cortex for cortical vision.

Lateral Geniculate Nucleus (LGN)

Major target of optic tracts where most retinal ganglion cells synapse.

Phosphene Threshold

The minimum TMS intensity that evokes phosphenes in the absence of visual stimuli.

Ventriloquist Illusion

Phenomenon where speech seems to come from the puppet's mouth rather than the puppeteer's, due to visual-auditory integration.

Visual Field

The total amount of space that can be viewed by the retina.

Blind Spot

Area in the retina where there are no photoreceptors, resulting in a lack of sensation of light.