word list 6

Photoreceptors

Light-detecting cells in the retina that turn light into signals for the brain

Rods

Photoreceptors for dim light and black-and-white vision

Cones

Photoreceptors for color and sharp detail (work best in bright light)

Sclera

Tough white outer layer of the eye

Aqueous humor

Clear fluid in the front of the eye that maintains pressure and nourishes

Vitreous humor

Jelly-like substance filling the back of the eye to keep its shape

Retina

Inner layer of the eye where light is detected and turned into signals

Lens

Clear structure that focuses light onto the retina

Cornea

Transparent front surface that bends light entering the eye

Pupil

Opening in the center of the eye that lets light in

Iris

Colored part that controls pupil size

Fovea

Tiny center of retina with the sharpest vision (many cones)

Cataract

Clouding of the lens causing blurry vision

Macula

Central retina area for detailed central vision

Macular degeneration

Damage to macula causing loss of central vision

Taste bud

Group of sensory cells that detect taste

Epiglottis

Flap that closes airway during swallowing

Papillae

Bumps on tongue that contain taste buds

Ion channel taste receptor

Detects salty and sour by letting ions enter cells

G protein linked taste receptor

Detects sweet, bitter, and umami using cell signaling

MSG

Chemical that produces umami (savory) taste

Semicircular canals

Inner ear structures that detect head movement for balance

Cochlea

Spiral structure that converts sound into nerve signals

Eustachian tube

Tube that equalizes ear pressure with the throat

Stapes

Smallest ear bone; sends vibrations to inner ear

Incus

Middle ear bone between malleus and stapes

Malleus

First ear bone attached to eardrum

Tympanic membrane

Eardrum that vibrates when sound hits it

Auditory canal

Tube carrying sound to the eardrum

Pinna

Outer ear that collects sound

Basilar membrane

Structure in cochlea that moves with sound to detect pitch

Stereocilia

Tiny hair-like structures that bend and send sound signals to brain