[Peripheral vision--function and significance].

The human retina may be divided into two parts, representing different functional capabilities: the center, i.e., the fovea, and the much greater periphery. Under photopic conditions the fovea has a very high spatial resolution, a high light-difference sensitivity, and a good perception of slow movements. Opposed to this the periphery shows an especially high temporal resolution and a good perception of fast movements. This enables the visual system to detect dangerous objects appearing in the periphery as soon as possible and to induce a detailed analysis in the fovea after triggering a fixational movement.