What are the many lenses found in a pair of compound eyes called?

In a pair of compound eyes, the numerous lenses are referred to as ommatidia. Each ommatidium functions as an individual unit that captures light and contributes to the overall vision of the organism. This structure allows insects and some other arthropods to have a wide-angle view and detect movement very effectively, enhancing their ability to navigate and survive in their environments.

Ocelli are simple eyes found in some arthropods and do not have the complex lens structure of ommatidia. The retina is part of the eye in vertebrates, where it contains photoreceptor cells responsible for image formation, but this term does not apply to the structure of compound eyes. The cornea is the transparent front layer of the eye in many animals, again not relevant to the specific structure of compound eyes. The focus on ommatidia emphasizes the unique adaptation of insects' vision systems compared to other types of eyes in the animal kingdom.