ch. 14 Seeing and Hearing

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to veterinary medical terminology for the eye and ear, as outlined in Chapter 14 of the course.

Optics

The branch of physics that studies the behavior and properties of light.

Ocular system

The system responsible for vision.

Conjunctiva

Mucous membrane lining the underside of each eyelid.

Sclera

The outer layer of the eyeball, commonly referred to as the 'white of the eye'.

Cornea

The transparent front part of the eye that covers the iris and pupil.

Aqueous humor

A clear, watery fluid found in the anterior segment of the eye.

Iris

The colored part of the eye that controls the size of the pupil.

Miosis

The constriction of the pupil.

Mydriasis

The dilation of the pupil.

Retina

The inner layer of the eye that contains rod and cone cells.

Canthus

The corner of the eye where the upper and lower eyelids meet.

Palpebra

Another term for the eyelid.

Blepharospasm

Rapid, involuntary contraction of the eyelid.

Anisocoria

Unequal pupil size.

Enucleation

The removal of the eyeball.

Ectropion

Turning outward of the eyelid.

Entropion

Turning inward of the eyelid.

Otoscopy

The procedure used to examine the ear.

Tympanic membrane

Also known as the eardrum; it transmits sound waves to the ossicles.

Cerumen

Earwax; secreted in the external auditory canal.

Aural hematoma

Collection of blood in the outer ear.

Vestibulocochlear nerve

The nerve responsible for hearing and balance.

Palpebral reflex

Diagnostic test to assess cranial nerves V and VII by touching the medial canthus.

Tonometry

A procedure to measure intraocular pressure.

Lacrimal apparatus

Structures responsible for producing, storing, and removing tears.

Fovea centralis

The small depression in the retina where visual acuity is highest.

Ciliary body

Part of the eye that contains the ciliary muscle and controls the shape of the lens.

Pinna

The external part of the ear that collects sound waves.

Cochlea

A spiral-shaped organ in the inner ear that helps with hearing.

Ear mite

A parasite that can infest the ear, commonly known as otodectes.

Myringotomy

An incision made in the eardrum.

Nictitating membrane

A conjunctival fold that acts as a third eyelid.

Microphthalmia

A condition where the eyes are abnormally small.

Strabismus

A condition where the eyes are misaligned.

Photophobia

Fear or intolerance of light.

Keratoconjunctivitis

Inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva.

Auditory tube

Also known as the Eustachian tube; it connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx.

Choroid

The middle layer of the eye containing blood vessels.

Auditory canal

The passage leading from the outside of the head to the tympanic membrane.