visual system

the components of the nervous system and the nonneural apparatus of the eye that contribute to the perception of visual stimulation. The anterior structures of the eye, such as the cornea and lens, focus light on the retina, which transduces photons into neural signals. These are transmitted via the optic nerve and optic tract to nuclei in the thalamus and brainstem. These in turn transmit the signals either to the visual areas of the cerebral cortex for hierarchical processing and conscious analysis or directly to motor centers in the brainstem and spinal cord to produce eye movements.

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Psychology term of the day

January 30th 2025

prepuce

n. a covering fold of skin, especially the skin covering the glans penis (see foreskin) in males and the clitoris (see clitoral hood) in females. Also called preputium. —preputial adj.