AP Psychology STRUCTURES/FUNCTIONS OF THE EYE

IRIS

controls the amount of light entering the eye

CORNEA

covers the pupil and protects the eye

LENS

casts image into the inner eye

FOVEA

concentrated area of cones

OPTIC NERVE

bundle of nerve fibers that carry information to the brain

CONES

photoreceptors sensitive to color (BRIGHT LIGHT)

BLINDSPOT

place where the optic nerve leaves the retina (contains no photoreceptors)

AQUEOUS HUMOR

clear fluid that helps the cornea keep its rounded shape

SCLERA

thick, tough outer covering of eyeball

VITEROUS HUMOR

clear jelly that helps give the eyeball its shape

RETINA

contains photoreceptors (light sensitive cells of the inner eye)

PUPIL

hole that allows light to enter the eye

TAPETUM

colorful, reflective material found behind the retina in cats, cows, and other animals

RODS

photoreceptors sensitive to light/dark and movement (FOR DIM/DARK LIGHT)