Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Techniques for Investigating the Anatomy of the Ant Visual System
08:56

Techniques for Investigating the Anatomy of the Ant Visual System

Published on: November 27, 2017

Protective ocular mechanisms in woodpeckers

T Wygnanski-Jaffe1, C J Murphy, C Smith

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, M158, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X8, and Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA.

Eye (London, England)
|November 19, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Woodpecker eyes have unique features, like restricted movement and reinforced structures, that protect them from shaking. These adaptations may help explain why human infants are vulnerable to eye injuries from shaking.

More Related Videos

Non-aversive Animal Restraint Enabling Recording of Optomotor Reflex in Ground Squirrels07:28

Non-aversive Animal Restraint Enabling Recording of Optomotor Reflex in Ground Squirrels

Published on: July 25, 2025

Modeling Highly Repetitive Low-level Blast Exposure in Mice06:00

Modeling Highly Repetitive Low-level Blast Exposure in Mice

Published on: May 24, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Accessory Structures of the Eye01:17

Accessory Structures of the Eye

Optical perception, or vision, is an extraordinary sense dependent on converting light signals received via the ocular organs. These organs, known as eyes, are securely positioned within the bony cavities of the skull, called orbits. The orbits serve a dual purpose: a protective shield for the ocular globes and a stable attachment point for the soft ocular tissues. The eye's external protective mechanisms include the eyelids, which are edged with lashes that act as a barrier against foreign...
Microbiome of the Eye01:22

Microbiome of the Eye

The human eye has a specialized microbiota that reflects its unique anatomical and immunological environment. This low-biomass microbial community predominantly colonizes the conjunctiva and eyelid margins, playing a vital role in ocular surface homeostasis and defense. Despite its proximity to the richly colonized facial skin, the ocular surface maintains a distinct microbial profile due to continuous mechanical and biochemical defense mechanisms.The conjunctival surface hosts fewer microbial...
Anatomy of the Eyeball01:20

Anatomy of the Eyeball

The eye is a spherical, hollow structure composed of three tissue layers. The outer layer — the fibrous tunic, comprises the sclera — a white structure — and the cornea, which is transparent. The sclera encompasses some of the ocular surface, most of which is not visible. However, the 'white of the eye' is distinctively visible in humans compared to other species. The cornea, a clear covering at the front of the eye, enables light penetration. The eye's middle layer, the vascular tunic,...