Visual system

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Visual System

The Visual System is a part of the central nervous system which enables organisms to process visual detail, as well as enabling several photo response functions that are independent of vision. The visual system detects and interprets information from visible light to build a representation of the surrounding environment.

Pronunciation

  • /ˈvɪʒʊəl ˈsɪstəm/

Etymology

The term "visual" comes from the Latin word "visus", meaning "sight". The term "system" comes from the Latin word "systema", meaning "an organized scheme or method".

Structure

The visual system includes the eyes, the connecting pathways through to the visual cortex in the occipital lobe of the brain. The retina in the eye is an outgrowth of the brain, and is a part of the central nervous system.

Function

The visual system is designed to translate light into a coherent visual image. This process involves several steps, including the capture of light by the photoreceptor cells in the retina, the transmission of these signals through the optic nerve to the brain, and the interpretation of these signals by the visual cortex.

Related Terms

See Also

External links

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