Special Senses: Eyes and Ears

Flashcards summarizing key concepts from the lecture on the special senses of the eyes and ears.

What is the function of the eyebrows in relation to the eyes?

They enhance facial expressions, prevent glare, and stop perspiration from running into the eye.

What is the flow of tears from production to drainage?

Lacrimal gland -> Surface of eye -> Lacrimal punctum -> Lacrimal canals -> Lacrimal sac -> Nasolacrimal duct.

What are the auditory ossicles and their role?

They are the smallest bones in the body (Malleus, Incus, Stapes) that transfer vibrations from the tympanic membrane to the inner ear.

What is the primary function of the cochlea?

To convert sound vibrations into neural impulses for hearing.

What is static equilibrium and how is it perceived?

It is the sensation of the body being stationary while the head is tilted, perceived by the Macula in the Saccule and Utricle.

What is color blindness and its prevalence?

A sex-linked recessive trait leading to a lack of various cone cells, occurring in 8% of men and 0.5% of women.

What are the components of the visual pathway from the eye to the brain?

Cornea -> Anterior Chamber -> Iris (Pupil) -> Posterior Chamber -> Lens -> Vitreous Humor -> Retina -> Optic Nerve -> Optic Chiasm -> Occipital Lobe.

What is conjunctivitis and what causes it?

Inflammation of the conjunctiva, often referred to as 'pink eye'.

What are rods and cones?

Rods are photoreceptors responsible for night vision and shades of gray; cones are responsible for color vision and detail.

What structures make up the outer ear?

Auricle (Pinna) and External Auditory Canal.