Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What is the name of the opening in the center of the iris that allows light to enter the eye?

1. Cornea

2. Pupil

3. Lens

4. Retina

The correct answer is: Pupil

The correct answer is the pupil, which serves as the opening in the center of the iris. The primary function of the pupil is to regulate the amount of light that enters the eye, allowing for optimal vision under varying lighting conditions. When the surrounding light is bright, the pupil constricts to reduce light intake, helping to protect the retina and improve visual clarity. Conversely, in low light conditions, the pupil dilates to allow more light to enter, enhancing visibility. Understanding the anatomy of the eye is crucial for EMTs, as it relates to assessing patients with potential eye injuries or visual disturbances. The cornea is the clear, transparent front layer of the eye that helps focus light, while the lens is responsible for further refracting light to focus images onto the retina, which captures visual information and sends it to the brain. Each of these components plays a vital role in vision, but the pupil specifically is the adjustable opening that controls light entry.