Anatomy of the Eye and Visual Pathways

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to the anatomy of the eye and visual pathways as discussed in the lecture.

Monocular Visual Field

The area a person can see with one eye, which helps in assessing peripheral vision.

Binocular Visual Field

The overlapping area of the visual field seen by both eyes, crucial for depth perception.

Optic Nerve (N. Opticus)

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

Chiasma Opticum

The location where the optic nerves partially cross, allowing for visual information from both eyes to be processed.

Retina

The light-sensitive tissue located at the back of the eye, containing photoreceptors that convert light into neural signals.

Primary Visual Cortex (V1)

The region of the brain responsible for processing visual information received from the retina.

CGL (Corpus Geniculatum Laterale)

The lateral geniculate nucleus of the thalamus that acts as a relay center for visual information from the retina to the visual cortex.

Radiation Optica

The pathway that carries visual information from the CGL to the primary visual cortex.

Aqueous Humor

The clear fluid found in the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye, providing nutrients to the avascular structures.

Glaucoma

A condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure, which can lead to optic nerve damage and vision loss.

Cataract

A clouding of the lens in the eye, leading to decreased vision, often due to aging.

Accommodation

The process by which the eye changes the shape of the lens to focus on objects at various distances.

Fovea Centralis

The small pit in the retina where visual acuity is highest, containing a high density of cone photoreceptors.

Optic Radiation

The neural pathways that transmit visual signals from the thalamus to the visual cortex.

Photoreceptors

Cells in the retina that are sensitive to light; they include rods (for low light vision) and cones (for color vision).

Sclera

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

Cornea

The transparent front part of the eye that refracts light and helps to focus it onto the retina.

Papillary Light Reflex

The reflex that constricts the pupil in response to light, serving as a protective mechanism for the retina.

Visual Field Testing

A procedure to measure the entire area of vision, including peripheral vision, used to detect defects.

Retinotopy

The organization of visual information in the brain such that adjacent areas correspond to adjacent areas in the visual field.

Glaucoma

A condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure, often leading to damage to the optic nerve.

Retinal Detachment

A medical emergency where the retina separates from the back of the eye, leading to vision loss.

Optic Cup

A part of the optic nerve head that is involved in conditions such as glaucoma.

Visual Rehabilitation

Therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring or adapting vision.

Ophthalmoscopy

A diagnostic procedure to examine the interior of the eye, including the retina and optic nerve.

Retinal Vein Occlusion

The blockage of the small veins that carry blood away from the retina, leading to vision problems.

Color Vision Testing

Assessing the ability to perceive colors, often used to detect color deficiencies.

Pupil Size Changes

Variations in pupil size can indicate neurological issues and are important in eye examinations.

Eye Movement Disorders

Conditions affecting the ability to move the eyes properly, which can lead to double vision.

Tear Film

A thin layer of fluid on the surface of the eye that keeps it moist and clear.

Lacrimal Apparatus

The structures involved in tear production and drainage.