The vitreous humour in the human eye assists in ...... of objects

Analyze the question: The vitreous humour is the transparent, jelly-like fluid in the large chamber behind the lens of the eye. The question asks what role it plays in relation to objects we see.

Explain the concept: Vision depends on light from an object being bent (refracted) and focused onto the retina. Several parts of the eye contribute to this:

• Cornea: does most of the bending of light.
• Aqueous humour: a watery fluid in front of the lens that refracts light slightly.
• Lens: fine-tunes the focus.
• Vitreous humour: a transparent jelly that refracts light as it passes toward the retina. It also keeps the eyeball firm and maintains its shape.

Solution, checking each option:

• A. Contraction: this is what muscles do, not a fluid. ✗
• B. Conversion: the retina converts light into nerve impulses, not the vitreous humour. ✗
• C. Reflection: light bouncing back is not the vitreous humour's function. ✗
• D. Refraction: the vitreous humour bends light rays so they focus on the retina. ✓
• E. Retention: this has nothing to do with the vitreous humour. ✗

Answer: D. Refraction

Exam tip: Remember "Humours Help Hold and Hone light": the aqueous and vitreous humours both refract light, while the vitreous also holds the eye's shape. When you see "vitreous humour" or "aqueous humour" in a question, think refraction first.