Iris (eye)

part of an eye
(Redirected from Iris (anatomy))

The iris (plural: irides or irises) is a thin, circular structure in the eye. It controls the diameter and size of the pupils.

Iris
Iris in humans, is the colored (typically blue or brown) area, with the pupil (the circular black spot) in its center, and surrounded by the white sclera. Overlying cornea is completely transparent so is not visible, except the high-gloss luster it gives the eye. Also pictured are the red blood vessels within the sclera. These structures are easily visible on any person's eyes.
Schematic diagram of the human eye. (Iris labeled at upper right)
Details
PrecursorMesoderm and neural ectoderm
Part ofFront of eye
SystemVisual system
Arterylong posterior ciliary arteries
Nervelong ciliary nerves, short ciliary nerves
Identifiers
Latiniris
MeSHD007498
TAA15.2.03.020
FMA58235
Anatomical terminology

Eye color is the color of the iris. In humans, the iris may look green, blue, brown, hazel (a combination of light brown, green and gold), grey, violet, or even pink. In response to the amount of light exiting the eye, muscles attached to the iris expand or contract the pupil. The larger the pupil, the more light can enter the eye and reach the retina.

Iris colors are varied, this one orange round the pupil, then grey-greenish
Worldwide, brown and black are the most common colors