Atlas of Ocular Anatomy

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering essential vocabulary related to ocular anatomy and related medical concepts, designed for exam preparation.

Aqueous Humor

The transparent fluid secreted in the eye, mainly in the posterior chamber, that maintains intraocular pressure and provides nutrition to the cornea and lens.

Cornea

The transparent dome-shaped front part of the eye that covers the iris and pupil, providing most of the eye's optical power.

Lacrimal Apparatus

The system responsible for the production and drainage of tears, including the lacrimal gland and the nasolacrimal duct.

Optic Nerve (ON)

The nerve that transmits visual information from the retina to the brain; technically a part of the central nervous system.

Iris

The colored part of the eye that controls the size of the pupil and the amount of light that enters the eye.

Sclera

The white outer layer of the eyeball, which provides structure and protection.

Accommodation

The process by which the eye changes its focus from distant to near objects, primarily achieved by the bending of the lens.

Lens

A transparent structure in the eye that focuses light onto the retina, responsible for fine-tuning focus.

Pupil

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

Retina

The inner layer of the eye that contains light-sensitive cells (rods and cones) and transmits visual information to the brain.

Photoreceptors

Specialized cells in the retina (rods and cones) that detect light and are essential for vision.

Visual Pathway

The neural pathway that transmits visual information from the retina to the visual centers in the brain.

Optic Chiasma

The X-shaped structure formed by the crossing of optic nerve fibers from both eyes, located at the base of the brain.

Ciliary Body

A ring of tissue behind the peripheral iris that is responsible for the production of aqueous humor and changes the shape of the lens.

Extraocular Muscles

The muscles that control eye movement, consisting of four recti and two oblique muscles.

Teardrops

The fluid that lubricates the surface of the eye, washed away by the blinking action of the eyelids.

Bony Socket (Orbit)

The hollow socket in the skull where the eyeball is situated, composed of several bones.

Palpebral Conjunctiva

The mucous membrane lining the eyelids, which helps keep the eye moist.

Meibomian Glands

Sebaceous glands located in the eyelids that secrete an oily substance to prevent tear evaporation.

Ophthalmic Artery

The main artery supplying blood to the eye and orbit, a branch of the internal carotid artery.

Optic Radiation

The bundle of axonal fibers extending from the lateral geniculate nucleus to the visual cortex.

Cranial Nerves

The nerves that emerge directly from the brain, including those that control eye movements.

Glaucoma

A group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often caused by high intraocular pressure.

Anatomy of the Orbit

The structure and components of the bony cavity housing the eye, including its walls and contents.

Optic Tract

The continuation of the optic nerve fibers after they cross at the optic chiasma; carries visual information to the lateral geniculate nucleus.

Visual Cortex

The part of the occipital lobe of the brain that processes visual information.

Scleral Spur

A circular continuation of the sclera at the rim of the anterior chamber, where the ciliary body attaches.

Double Vision (Diplopia)

A vision condition in which a person sees two images of one object, often due to misalignment of the eyes.

Palpebral Fissure

The space between the eyelids; it is the opening through which the eye is visible.

Nasal Cavity

The space behind the nose, which plays a role in the drainage of tears through the nasolacrimal duct.

Afferent Pupillary Defect

A condition where the pupil reacts abnormally to light due to an issue with the optic pathway.

Vitreous Body

A transparent gel-like substance filling the eye between the lens and retina.

Puncta

The small openings at the inner corners of the eyelids that allow tears to drain into the lacrimal sac.

Ciliary Processes

The finger-like projections of the ciliary body that secrete aqueous humor.

Angle of Anterior Chamber

The junction where the iris meets the cornea; this area contains the trabecular meshwork and is critical for aqueous outflow.

Retinopathy of Prematurity

A serious eye condition that affects prematurely born babies, which can lead to blindness.

Albinism

A hereditary condition characterized by a lack of pigmentation in the skin, hair, and eyes.

Retinal Detachment

A serious condition where the retina detaches from the back of the eye, potentially leading to vision loss.

Interocular Pressure (IOP)

The fluid pressure inside the eye, critical for maintaining eye shape and health.

Ptosis

Drooping of the upper eyelid which may affect vision.

Coloboma

A birth defect resulting in a gap or missing piece of tissue in structures such as the eyelid, iris, or retina.

Aniridia

A congenital condition characterized by the absence of the iris.

Congenital Cataract

A condition where a clouding of the lens is present at birth.

Congenital Glaucoma

A rare form of glaucoma that occurs in infants and children.

Eyelid Anatomy

The structure and layers that compose the eyelids, providing protection and function.

Conjunctival Sac

The space between the eyelids and the eyeball, where tears pool.

Amebic Keratitis

Inflammation of the cornea caused by the amoeba Acanthamoeba, often associated with contact lens wear.

Spherical Aberration

A lens defect causing light rays to focus at different distances.

Acute Dacryocystitis

Infection of the lacrimal sac, resulting in painful swelling near the inner canthus.

Arrangements in the Cavernous Sinus

The anatomical organization of cranial nerves and blood vessels near the cavernous sinus.

Antibiotic Therapy

The use of antibiotics to treat infections, often applied in cases of eye infections.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Hearing loss resulting from problems in the outer or middle ear.

Cranial Nerve Paralyses

Disruptions in the function of cranial nerves that can affect eye movements.

Congenital Eye Conditions

Eye abnormalities present at birth that may affect vision and eye health.

Facial Expressions

Movements of facial muscles that convey emotions, related to the orbicularis oculi muscle.

Amblyopia

An eye condition where vision does not develop properly, often referred to as 'lazy eye'.

Epiphora

Excessive tearing due to tear drainage issues.

Emmetropia

Normal vision where light is focused directly on the retina.

Hypopyon

An accumulation of pus in the anterior chamber of the eye.

Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

Damage to the optic nerve due to a lack of blood flow.

Myopia (Nearsightedness)

A common vision condition where close objects appear clear, but distant objects are blurry.

Hyperopia (Farsightedness)

A vision condition where far objects are clear, but close objects are blurry.

Presbyopia

Age-related difficulty in focusing on close objects due to loss of lens elasticity.

Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE)

A layer of cells that nourishes retinal visual cells and is essential for visual function.

Sinusitis

Inflammation of the nasal sinuses that can affect the eyes due to proximity.

Autonomic Nervous System

The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions including the pupil's response to light.

Ocular Motility

The movement of the eyes, which is crucial for coordinated vision.

Inferior Orbital Fissure

A gap between the maxillary and zygomatic bones that allows passage to nerves and vessels.

Pediatric Ophthalmology

A subspecialty of ophthalmology that focuses on eye disorders in children.

Ophthalmoplegia

Paralysis or weakness of the eye muscles, leading to limited eye movement.

Optic Papilla

Another term for the optic disc, a point where ganglion cell axons exit the eye.

Conjunctivitis

Inflammation of the conjunctiva, often resulting in redness and discharge.

Endopthalmitis

Infection of the intraocular tissues.

Pterygium

A growth of conjunctival tissue that can invade the cornea.

Chorioretinitis

Inflammation of the choroid and retina.

Keratoconus

A condition where the cornea thins and bulges, leading to distorted vision.