tapetum lucidum
Reflective eye tissue
The tapetum lucidum is a reflective layer behind the retina in many animals, bouncing light back through the eye to enhance night vision.
It's what makes cats' and dogs' eyes glow when caught in headlights.
Humans lack this structure, which is why our night vision is comparatively poor.
Ability to see dimly
- low-lightMinimal ambient brightness
- scotopicRelating to dim-light vision
- crepuscularRelating to dusk
- darknessTotal absence of light
moonlight · adaptation · dim · pupil dilation · light sensitivity · hunting · navigation · nocturnal animals
Returned light or thought
- glowSteady, soft light
- cat's eyesReflective pavement markers
- retinaLight-sensing tissue layer
- choroidEye's vascular middle coat
photoreceptor · rods · green glow · fundus · riboflavin · zinc · cysteine · epithelium
night vision
Ability to see dimly
- low-lightMinimal ambient brightness
- scotopicRelating to dim-light vision
- crepuscularRelating to dusk
darkness · moonlight · adaptation · dim · pupil dilation · light sensitivity · hunting · navigation · nocturnal animals · visual acuity
reflection
Returned light or thought
- glowSteady, soft light
- cat's eyesReflective pavement markers
- retinaLight-sensing tissue layer
choroid · photoreceptor · rods · green glow · fundus · riboflavin · zinc · cysteine · epithelium · neural
carnivores
Animals eating only meat
deer · owl · shark · crocodile · spider · fish · cattle · horse · raccoon · opossum
- cat traitssilky coat, coat, tabby pattern, claws, long-haired
- animal visioncat eyes, compound eyes, cornea, depth perception, eagle eye
- cat anatomywhiskers, claws, tail, paws, ears
- animal sensessight, smell, taste, touch, hearing
- eye anatomyeyeball, cornea, iris, retina, pupil