Anatomy & Physiology: The Unity of Form and Function, 7th Edition

Published by McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 10: 0073403717
ISBN 13: 978-0-07340-371-7

Chapter 16 - Section 16.5 - Study Guide - Assess Your Learning Outcomes - Page 626: 1

Answer

Vision is the sensory process by which humans and many other animals perceive their environment through the detection and interpretation of visible light. It is one of the primary ways we gather information about the world around us. Human vision relies on the eye, a complex organ that can detect and process light within a specific range of electromagnetic wavelengths. The range of electromagnetic wavelengths over which human vision occurs is commonly referred to as the "visible spectrum" or "visible light." This spectrum includes wavelengths that range from approximately 400 nanometers (nm) to 700 nanometers (nm). It's important to note that the perception of color in human vision is a result of the brain's interpretation of different wavelengths of light. The visible spectrum can be divided into different color regions: 1. Violet (approximately 400-450 nm) 2. Blue (approximately 450-495 nm) 3. Green (approximately 495-570 nm) 4. Yellow (approximately 570-590 nm) 5. Orange (approximately 590-620 nm) 6. Red (approximately 620-700 nm) These colors are perceived by the human eye when different wavelengths of light within this range strike the photoreceptor cells in the retina. The two main types of photoreceptor cells responsible for human vision are rods and cones. Rods are more sensitive to lower light levels and are primarily responsible for night vision, while cones are responsible for color vision and function best in well-lit conditions. The perception of color in human vision arises from the three types of cones, each sensitive to different portions of the visible spectrum. These cones are often referred to as "red," "green," and "blue" cones. By processing the signals from these cones, our brain can perceive a wide range of colors by combining and interpreting the information received from these three types of cones. In summary, human vision occurs within the range of electromagnetic wavelengths known as the visible spectrum, which spans from approximately 400 nm to 700 nm. The perception of color and the ability to see objects and scenes depend on the brain's interpretation of different wavelengths of light detected by photoreceptor cells in the retina.

Work Step by Step

Vision is the sensory process by which humans and many other animals perceive their environment through the detection and interpretation of visible light. It is one of the primary ways we gather information about the world around us. Human vision relies on the eye, a complex organ that can detect and process light within a specific range of electromagnetic wavelengths. The range of electromagnetic wavelengths over which human vision occurs is commonly referred to as the "visible spectrum" or "visible light." This spectrum includes wavelengths that range from approximately 400 nanometers (nm) to 700 nanometers (nm). It's important to note that the perception of color in human vision is a result of the brain's interpretation of different wavelengths of light. The visible spectrum can be divided into different color regions: 1. Violet (approximately 400-450 nm) 2. Blue (approximately 450-495 nm) 3. Green (approximately 495-570 nm) 4. Yellow (approximately 570-590 nm) 5. Orange (approximately 590-620 nm) 6. Red (approximately 620-700 nm) These colors are perceived by the human eye when different wavelengths of light within this range strike the photoreceptor cells in the retina. The two main types of photoreceptor cells responsible for human vision are rods and cones. Rods are more sensitive to lower light levels and are primarily responsible for night vision, while cones are responsible for color vision and function best in well-lit conditions. The perception of color in human vision arises from the three types of cones, each sensitive to different portions of the visible spectrum. These cones are often referred to as "red," "green," and "blue" cones. By processing the signals from these cones, our brain can perceive a wide range of colors by combining and interpreting the information received from these three types of cones. In summary, human vision occurs within the range of electromagnetic wavelengths known as the visible spectrum, which spans from approximately 400 nm to 700 nm. The perception of color and the ability to see objects and scenes depend on the brain's interpretation of different wavelengths of light detected by photoreceptor cells in the retina.
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