Chapter 23: Special Senses - Visual System

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to the anatomy and physiology of the visual system and sensory functions.

General Senses

Includes touch, pressure, vibration, and temperature.

Special Senses

Includes vision, hearing, equilibrium, taste, and smell.

Lacrimal Apparatus

Includes lacrimal glands, ducts, canaliculi, sac, and nasolacrimal duct involved in tear production and drainage.

Lacrimal Glands

Produce tears and contain the antimicrobial enzyme lysozyme.

Ciliary Glands

Modified glands between eyelash follicles that secrete an oily substance for eye lubrication.

Conjunctiva

Mucous membrane that lubricates the eye, with palpebral and bulbar sections.

Extrinsic Eye Muscles

Muscles that control eye movement and are innervated by cranial nerves.

Fibrous Tunic

Outer layer of the eye consisting of the sclera and cornea.

Uveal Tract (Vascular Tunic)

Middle layer of the eye comprising the iris, ciliary body, and choroid.

Retina

Inner sensory tunic of the eye with photoreceptor layers (rods and cones).

Pupil

Opening created by the iris that regulates light entry into the eye.

Optic Nerve

Nerve that transmits visual information from the retina to the brain.

Aqueous Humor

Clear fluid in the anterior segment of the eye that provides nutrients and maintains pressure.

Vitreous Humor

Gel-like substance filling the posterior cavity of the eye, maintains retinal placement.

Visual Pathways

Pathway from the retina to the brain including the optic nerve and chiasm.

Myopia

Nearsightedness, where distant objects appear blurry.

Hyperopia

Farsightedness, where close objects appear blurry.

Presbyopia

Age-related loss of the lens's elasticity, affecting near vision.

Color Blindness

Inability to detect certain colors due to deficiencies in cone types.

Conjunctivitis

Inflammation of the conjunctiva.