Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

15. The Special Senses

The Lens and Focusing Light on the Retina

Anatomy & Physiology

15. The Special Senses

The Lens and Focusing Light on the Retina

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Multiple Choice

How is the lens able to change its refractive power to focus light on the retina?

By changing its shape through the action of the ciliary muscles

By moving closer to or farther from the retina

By adjusting the size of the pupil

By altering the amount of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the anatomy of the eye: The lens is a transparent, flexible structure located behind the iris. Its primary function is to focus light onto the retina for clear vision.

Learn about the ciliary muscles: These muscles are part of the ciliary body and are responsible for changing the shape of the lens. This process is called accommodation.

Explore the mechanism of accommodation: When the ciliary muscles contract, they reduce tension on the suspensory ligaments (zonular fibers), allowing the lens to become more rounded. This increases its refractive power for focusing on nearby objects. When the ciliary muscles relax, the lens flattens, reducing its refractive power for focusing on distant objects.

Eliminate incorrect options: The lens does not move closer to or farther from the retina, nor does it adjust the size of the pupil or alter the amount of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber to change its refractive power. These functions are unrelated to the lens's ability to focus light.

Conclude the correct answer: The lens changes its refractive power by altering its shape through the action of the ciliary muscles, enabling the eye to focus light on the retina effectively.