OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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Prepare for the OCR GCSE Biology Exam with detailed quizzes, flashcards, and explanations. Enhance your understanding of biology concepts and get exam-ready today!

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How does the eye accommodate for viewing distant objects?

The ciliary muscles contract
The lens becomes thicker
The ciliary muscles relax
The pupil dilates

The correct answer is: The ciliary muscles relax

The process of accommodation for viewing distant objects involves the relaxation of the ciliary muscles. When you focus on an object that is far away, the ciliary muscles, which are responsible for adjusting the tension on the lens, relax. This relaxation causes the ligaments connected to the lens to pull tight, leading to a flattening of the lens. A flatter lens reduces its refractive power, which is ideal for clear vision of distant objects. In contrast, when focusing on nearby objects, the ciliary muscles contract, resulting in a thicker lens that can bend light more sharply for closer vision. The dilation of the pupil mainly happens under different lighting conditions and does not specifically pertain to the lens's accommodation for distance. Therefore, the correct mechanism for viewing distant objects is the relaxation of the ciliary muscles.