Visual pathways

Question 1

where is the blind spot?

Answer 1

where the head of the optic nerve is present

Question 2

Why is there a blind spot?

Answer 2

There are only nerve fibers in this region and no photocreceptors

Question 3

Which part of the eye contributes the majority of our conscious vision?

Answer 3

The macula

Question 4

Describe the structure of the retina

Answer 4

10 layers:

• ganglion cells
• bipolar cells
• photoreceptors
• retinal pigment epithelium
• choroid

Question 5

What is the fovea?

Answer 5

The middle of the macula - an indentation

Question 6

Describe the structure of the fovea

Answer 6

the ganglion cells and bipolar cells are not present, leaving the photoreceptors

Question 7

Why is the macula more efficient in visual processing than other areas of the retina?

Answer 7

• The light shines directly onto the photoreceptors and doesnt need to pass through/be processed by other layers first
• blood vessels are present in the retina but not at the area of the fovea

= clear vision

Question 8

How does the fovea acquire metabolic support?

Answer 8

From the choroid through diffusion as it is a thin layer