Eyes, Ears, Nose, Mouth & Throat – Vocabulary Review

64 vocabulary flashcards covering key anatomy, functions, assessments, reflexes, and common disorders of the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and throat.

Palpebral Fissure

The elliptical opening between the upper and lower eyelids.

Canthus

The corner of the eye where the upper and lower eyelids meet (medial or lateral).

Limbus

The border between the cornea and the sclera.

Conjunctiva

Thin, transparent mucous membrane lining the eyelids and covering the sclera.

Sclera

The tough, protective, white outer layer of the eyeball.

Choroid

Vascular middle layer of the eye that supplies blood to the retina.

Retina

Light-sensitive inner layer of the eye containing photoreceptors.

Macula

Central area of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision.

Optic Disc

Region where the optic nerve leaves the eye; lacks photoreceptors (blind spot).

Optic Nerve (CN II)

Cranial nerve that transmits visual information from the retina to the brain.

Cornea

Clear, avascular anterior covering of the eye that refracts incoming light.

Iris

Colored muscular ring that controls pupil size.

Pupil

Opening in the center of the iris through which light enters the eye.

Lens

Biconvex structure that changes shape to focus light on the retina (accommodation).

Confrontation Test

Bedside screening test that compares the patient’s peripheral vision to the examiner’s.

Pupillary Light Reflex

Normal constriction of both pupils when light is shone into one eye.

Accommodation

Adjustment of the eyes for near vision, involving convergence and pupillary constriction.

Fixation

Reflex direction of the eyes toward an object that attracts a person’s attention.

Positions Test (Six Cardinal Gazes)

Assessment of extraocular muscle function and detection of nystagmus or EOM weakness.

Extraocular Muscles (EOMs)

Six muscles that control voluntary eye movement.

Cranial Nerve III (Oculomotor)

Innervates most EOMs, controls eyelid elevation and pupil constriction.

Cranial Nerve IV (Trochlear)

Innervates the superior oblique muscle of the eye.

Cranial Nerve VI (Abducens)

Innervates the lateral rectus muscle, allowing lateral eye movement.

Nystagmus

Involuntary, rapid, rhythmic eye movements.

Ptosis

Drooping of the upper eyelid, often due to CN III dysfunction.

Chalazion

Chronic, painless cyst of a Meibomian (tarsal) gland.

Hordeolum (Stye)

Acute, painful infection of an eyelash follicle or sebaceous gland.

Blepharitis

Inflammation of the eyelid margins causing redness and scaling.

Anisocoria

Unequal pupil sizes.

Miosis

Constricted, fixed pupils.

Mydriasis

Dilated, fixed pupils.

Retinal Detachment

Separation of the retina from the choroid; a sight-threatening emergency.

Cataract

Clouding of the lens leading to decreased vision.

Glaucoma

Elevated intraocular pressure damaging the optic nerve and causing vision loss.

Macular Degeneration

Degenerative damage to the macula resulting in central vision loss.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Retinal vessel damage due to chronic hyperglycemia, leading to vision impairment.

External Auditory Canal

Passage from the auricle to the tympanic membrane in the external ear.

Tympanic Membrane

Eardrum; thin membrane that vibrates in response to sound waves.

Eustachian Tube

Canal connecting the middle ear to the nasopharynx, equalizing pressure.

Cochlea

Spiral, snail-shaped inner ear structure that converts vibrations to nerve impulses.

Semicircular Canals

Three fluid-filled loops in the inner ear that detect rotational movement for balance.

Vestibule

Central cavity of the bony labyrinth sensing linear acceleration and head position.

Cranial Nerve VIII (Vestibulocochlear)

Transmits auditory and balance information from the inner ear to the brain.

Whisper Test

Screening assessment for high-frequency hearing loss using softly spoken words.

Nares

External openings of the nose (nostrils).

Turbinates (Conchae)

Bony projections inside the nasal cavity that warm, humidify, and filter air.

Nasal Septum

Cartilage and bone wall dividing the nasal cavity into two passages.

Frontal Sinus

Air-filled cavity in the frontal bone above the eyes.

Maxillary Sinus

Largest paranasal sinus located in the maxillary bones below the eyes.

Ethmoid Sinuses

Numerous small air cells located between the eyes.

Sphenoid Sinus

Paranasal sinus situated in the sphenoid bone deep within the skull.

Olfactory Nerve (CN I)

Sensory cranial nerve responsible for the sense of smell.

Hard Palate

Anterior bony portion of the mouth’s roof separating oral and nasal cavities.

Soft Palate

Posterior muscular part of the palate that rises during swallowing and phonation.

Uvula

Midline projection from the soft palate aiding speech and preventing food entry into the nasopharynx.

Tonsils (Palatine)

Lymphoid tissue masses on the oropharynx walls that help defend against pathogens.

Vallate Papillae

Large taste buds arranged in a V shape at the base of the tongue.

Cranial Nerve VII (Facial)

Provides taste to anterior two-thirds of tongue and controls lip closure.

Cranial Nerve IX (Glossopharyngeal)

Controls taste to posterior third of tongue, gag reflex, and assists swallowing.

Cranial Nerve X (Vagus)

Mediates gag reflex, swallowing, and speech (laryngeal muscles).

Cranial Nerve XII (Hypoglossal)

Controls tongue movements essential for speech and swallowing.

Mastication

The process of chewing food.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing.

Tonsillar Grading Scale

Rates tonsil size: 1+ visible, 2+ halfway to uvula, 3+ touching uvula, 4+ touching each other (emergent).