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2.1 describe the anatomy and function of the human eye, including the: conjunctiva cornea sclera choroid retina iris lens aqueous and vitreous humor ciliary body optic nerve

describe the anatomy and function of the human eye, including the:

  • conjunctiva
  • cornea
  • sclera
  • choroid
  • retina
  • iris
  • lens
  • aqueous and vitreous humor
  • ciliary body
  • optic nerve

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To see a diagram of the eye visit the webpage below.

Structure of the eye (external website) National Centre of Research Resources, Washington, USA.

Structure Anatomy and Function
conjunctiva continuation of the epidermis of the skin; protects the cornea at the front of the eyeball against friction
cornea transparent to admit light; refracts light to help form an image on the retina
sclera the white of the eye, a tough coat of fibres; protects the eyeball against mechanical damage, maintains shape of eyeball
choroid a membrane containing pigment and blood vessels; nourishes retina and prevents internal reflection
retina contains light-sensitive receptor cells connected to sensory neurones; detects light
iris a pigmented muscular structure; contracts and dilates to adjust the amount of light entering the eye
lens a flexible transparent structure which allows light to enter the rear of the eye; refracts light to allow fine focusing of an image onto the retina
aqueous humor a watery fluid; maintains the shape of the eye
vitreous humor a jelly-like fluid; maintains the shape of the eye
ciliary body contains muscles; supports the lens and alters the shape of the lens
optic nerve consists of bundles of sensory neurons; transmits impulses generated in the retina to the brain