The human eye
I can describe the main structures of the human eye and their functions.
The human eye
I can describe the main structures of the human eye and their functions.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The human eye is a sense organ that detects light to enables us to see.
- The functions of the cornea, iris, lens, ciliary muscles, retina and optic nerve.
- Interpretation of ray diagrams showing refraction, to explain how the eye focuses light onto the retina.
- The iris expands and contracts (a reflex response) to control the amount of light entering the eye through the pupil.
- Use appropriate techniques to investigate the size of the pupil in different light levels.
Common misconception
There is often confusion between parts of the eye and their function, and that both the cornea and the lens refract light, but only the lens can focus light.
The parts of the eye and their function are covered carefully and in detail. The role of the cornea and lens in refracting and focusing light is examined in detail with simplified drawings to demonstrate.
Keywords
Lens - An object that can focus light rays. In the eye, it brings light rays to focus on the retina.
Refraction - Occurs when light travels from one transparent medium to another, causing a change in direction.
Focus - The process of bringing light rays together to converge at a single point creating a clear image.
Focal point - The point where rays of light meet after passing through a lens.
Reflex response - An involuntary, fast neural response to a situation.
Equipment
None required.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
cornea
iris
lens
ciliary muscles
