yellow spot

macula lu·te·a   (lōō'tē-ə)    n.   pl. maculae lu·te·ae (lōō'tē-ē') A minute yellowish area containing the forea centralis located near the center of the retina of the eye at which visual perception is most acute. Also called yellow spot. [New Latin macula lūtea : Latin macula, spot + Latin lūtea, yellow.]

Main Entry: mac·u·la
Pronunciation: 'mak-y&-l&
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural mac·u·lae /-"lE,-"lI/ also mac·u·las
1 : any spot or blotch; especially : MACULE2
2 : an anatomical structure having the form of a spot differentiated from surrounding tissues: as a : MACULA ACUSTICA b : MACULALUTEA

macula mac·u·la (māk'yə-lə)
n. pl. mac·u·las or mac·u·lae (-lē')

1. Also mac·ule (-y&oomacr;l') A spot, stain, or blemish, especially an area of discoloration on the skin caused by excess or lack of pigment.

2. A small area distinguishable from the surrounding tissue.

3. The macula lutea.

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mac'u·lar adj.

macula   (māk'yə-lə)  Pronunciation Key  Plural maculae (māk'yə-lē') or maculas A minute yellowish area located near the center of the retina of the eye, at which visual perception is most acute. A discolored spot on the skin that is not elevated above the surface.

yellow spot

in anatomy, the small yellowish area of the retina near the optic disk that provides central vision. When the gaze is fixed on any object, the centre of the macula, the centre of the lens, and the object are in a straight line. In the centre of the macula is a depression, called the fovea, which contains specialized nerve cells that are exclusively of the type known as cones. Cones are associated with colour vision and perception of fine detail. Toward the centre of the macula there are no blood vessels to interfere with vision; thus, in this area, vision in bright light and colour perception are keenest.

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