Anatomy & Physiology: Peripheral Nervous System and Special Senses

Flashcards covering key concepts, terms, and definitions related to the Peripheral Nervous System and Special Senses in Anatomy and Physiology.

Fibrous Tunic

The outer layer of the eye composed of protective connective tissue.

Choroid

The middle layer of the eye that provides blood supply and contains pigment to prevent light scattering.

Retina

The inner layer of the eye responsible for photoreception, containing receptor cells.

Photoreceptors

Cells located in the retina that detect light; includes rods for light/dark and cones for color.

Optic nerve (N II)

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

Fovea centralis

The area of the retina with the highest concentration of cones for detailed color vision.

Accommodation

The process by which the eye adjusts the shape of the lens to focus on near or far objects.

Aqueous humor

The clear fluid in the eye's anterior chamber that maintains intraocular pressure and provides nutrients.

Vitreous humor

A gel-like substance filling the posterior cavity of the eye that helps maintain its shape.

Organ of Corti

A structure within the cochlea that contains hair cells for sound perception.

Endolymph

Fluid found within the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear that aids in balance.

Static equilibrium

The sense of balance pertaining to the position of the head relative to gravity.

Dynamic equilibrium

The sense of balance that responds to changes in head position and movement.

Meniere’s Syndrome

A disorder characterized by excessive endolymph causing severe disturbances in balance.

Conduction deafness

A type of hearing loss where sound vibrations cannot be conducted to the inner ear.

Visual pathway

The route taken by visual information from the retina to various brain areas for processing.

Pupil

The rounded opening in the iris that controls the amount of light entering the eye.

Maculae

Receptors in the vestibule that report head position relative to gravity.

Crista ampullaris

Receptors located in the semicircular canals responsible for detecting angular head movements.