tapetum
1
9.6
- noun
- /təˈpiːtəm/
- Specialized
- In animals like cats and dogs, the tapetum lucidum is situated behind the retina and contributes to their ability to see in the dark.
- tapetum lucidum
Examples
-
In bright light, a layer of pigment cells blocks light from reaching the tapetum lucidum.
Academic text (1994) -
And unlike the majority of nocturnal mammals—but like all haplorrhines—tarsiers lack the light-reflecting layer of tissue behind the retina known as the tapetum lucidum.
Academic text (2010) -
So when light shines into the eye of an animal with a tapetum lucidum, the pupil appears to glow.
Blog text (20) -
Like cats, their eyes contain a tapetum lucidum, a layer of cells under the retina that reflects light like a mirror back onto the rods to enable them to see while they feed at night.
Academic text (1994) -
The tapetum is a reflective layer behind the retina, which helps cats see better in low light.
-
When light enters the eyes of many nocturnal animals, the tapetum reflects it, allowing for enhanced night vision.
Surface Forms
Etymology
Tapetum comes from a Latin word meaning 'carpet' or 'tapestry', so you can picture a tiny carpet behind the eye that reflects light. That's why the tapetum helps some animals see better at night.