Microscopic features of the eye:

• Review the general organization of the eye.
• Examine a section of the eye with low power and, from anterior to posterior, identify
  • The cornea,
  • Iris,
  • Lens,
  • Ciliary body,
  • Retina, and
  • Optic nerve.

How does the cornea differ histologically and functionally from the sclera?

Compare and contrast Bowman’s and Descemet’s membranes.

With higher power, examine the retina carefully and note capillaries and the ten layers.

• Within these layers, identify the pigmented epithelial cells, the rods and cones,
• The 3 layers of cell bodies, the inner and outer plexiform layers, and the inner limiting membrane.
• Determine whether the fovea or the optic disc (where the optic nerve meets incoming axons from the retina is present on your slide and if not share your neighbor's slide to observe these structures.

What must light pass through before it hits rods and cones?

What exactly are the “photoreceptors” in the rods and cones?

What is the significance of the neuronal cell bodies in the retina?

Indicate three functions of the pigmented layer of the retina.

More about the eye.