Chapter 15: Sensory Systems (Eyes and Ears)

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering eye and ear anatomy, medical conditions, diagnostic procedures, and related medical terminology based on the Chapter 15 study guide.

Sclera

The white, outer protective layer of the eyeball.

Cornea

The transparent front part of the eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber; it refracts light.

Choroid

The middle layer of the eye, rich in blood vessels, which nourishes the retina.

Retina

The innermost layer of the eye containing photoreceptor cells (rods and cones).

Rods

Photoreceptor cells in the retina used for vision in dim light.

Cones

Photoreceptor cells in the retina used for color vision.

Iris

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

Pupil

The opening in the center of the iris that regulates the amount of light entering the eye.

Lens

A transparent, biconvex structure behind the iris that focuses light on the retina.

Vitreous Humor

A gel-like substance filling the posterior cavity that maintains the shape of the eye.

Aqueous Humor

A watery fluid filling the anterior cavity that nourishes the cornea and lens.

Palpebrae

The medical term for eyelids, which protect the eye.

Conjunctiva

A transparent membrane lining the eyelids and covering the front of the eyeball.

Lacrimal Glands

Glands that produce tears to lubricate and cleanse the eye.

Extrinsic Eye Muscles

Muscles that control the movement of the eye.

Auricle (Pinna)

The visible outer part of the ear.

External Auditory Canal

The passageway leading to the eardrum, also known as the ear canal.

Tympanic Membrane

The eardrum, which vibrates in response to sound waves.

Ossicles

Three tiny bones in the middle ear that transmit vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.

Malleus

The middle ear ossicle also known as the hammer.

Incus

The middle ear ossicle also known as the anvil.

Stapes

The middle ear ossicle also known as the stirrup.

Eustachian Tube

The auditory tube connecting the middle ear to the nasopharynx; it equalizes pressure.

Cochlea

A snail-shaped structure in the inner ear containing the organ of Corti.

Organ of Corti

The receptor for hearing located within the cochlea.

Vestibule

A structure in the inner ear containing components for static equilibrium (head position).

Semicircular Canals

Three fluid-filled loops in the inner ear involved in dynamic equilibrium (head movement).

Vestibulocochlear Nerve

Cranial Nerve VIII, which transmits auditory and balance information to the brain.

Astigmatism

Blurred vision caused by an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens.

Cataract

Clouding of the lens, leading to blurred vision.

Conjunctivitis

Inflammation of the conjunctiva, commonly known as pinkeye.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Damage to the retina caused by diabetes.

Glaucoma

Increased intraocular pressure leading to optic nerve damage and potential blindness.

Myopia

Difficulty seeing distant objects, also known as nearsightedness.

Hyperopia

Difficulty seeing near objects, also known as farsightedness.

Macular Degeneration

Deterioration of the central part of the retina (macula), causing loss of central vision.

Strabismus

Misalignment of the eyes, such as being cross-eyed or wall-eyed.

Retinal Detachment

The separation of the retina from the choroid layer.

Photophobia

Sensitivity to light.

Otitis Media

Inflammation or infection of the middle ear.

Tinnitus

Ringing or buzzing sensations in the ears.

Vertigo

A sensation of spinning or dizziness.

Meniere's Disease

An inner ear disorder causing vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear.

Otosclerosis

Abnormal bone growth in the middle ear leading to hearing loss.

Presbycusis

Hearing loss associated with old age.

Anacusis

Total deafness.

Cerumen Impaction

Buildup of earwax within the ear canal.

Ophthalmoscopy

Visual examination of the interior of the eye (fundus).

Slit Lamp Examination

A procedure providing a magnified view of the anterior eye structures.

Tonometry

The measurement of intraocular pressure, used to test for glaucoma.

Visual Acuity Test

A test using a Snellen chart to measure the sharpness of vision.

Cataract Extraction

The surgical removal of a clouded lens.

LASIK

Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis; laser surgery to correct refractive errors.

Otoscopy

Visual examination of the ear canal and tympanic membrane.

Audiometry

The process of measuring hearing ability.

Tympanometry

The process of measuring the movement of the eardrum.

Cochlear Implant

An electronic device surgically implanted to provide a sense of sound to those who are profoundly deaf.

Myringotomy

A surgical incision into the eardrum to relieve pressure or drain fluid.

blephar/o

Combining form meaning eyelid.

dacry/o or lacrim/o

Combining forms meaning tear or tear duct.

phac/o or phak/o

Combining forms meaning lens.

salping/o

Combining form meaning eustachian tube (or fallopian tube).

presby-

Prefix meaning old age.

-acusis

Suffix meaning hearing.

-opia

Suffix meaning vision condition.

OD

Abbreviation for Oculus Dexter (Right eye).

OS

Abbreviation for Oculus Sinister (Left eye).

OU

Abbreviation for Oculus Uterque (Both eyes).

AD

Abbreviation for Auris Dexter (Right ear).

AS

Abbreviation for Auris Sinister (Left ear).

AU

Abbreviation for Auris Uterque (Both ears).

PERRLA

Abbreviation for Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light and Accommodation.