ZingPath: Sensory Organs

The eye is a very complex structure that must work with the brain to produce sight. For the eye to see an object, light must be present to reflect off of the object. This Activity Object focuses on nine specific eye parts and the function of each part.

As light reflects off of objects it enters the eye through the cornea. The cornea is a transparent lining in the front of the eye that is responsible for bending the light as it enters the eye. The round opening in the center of eye, the pupil, changes its size when directed by the colored part of the eye known as the iris. The lens is located just behind the iris. It bends the entering light rays and focuses them on the retina. The lens is attached to ciliary muscles that can change the shape of the lens, based on the distance of an object.

The back part of the eye contains key parts that receive light and send information to the brain. The retina converts light into electrical impulses that are taken to the brain by the optic nerve, a bundle of over a million nerve cells.

The eye presents us with a fascinating and complex organ that must have all of its parts working as a unit to achieve sight. Because the eye is such a fragile organ, little irritations such as dust and debris can create excessive problems. For this reason it is essential for one to wear protective eyewear when needed, this includes sunglasses, masks, goggles, etc. Even infants can sustain common eye issues such as blocked tear ducts. When problems do arise, medical attention is usually required due to the severity of complications that can occur if proper treatment is not taken.