Ocular and Auditory Systems Review

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the ocular and auditory systems based on lecture notes.

Orbit of the eye

The cavity in the skull where the eyeball sits.

Binocular vision

Ability to coordinate eye movements, important for depth perception, which some species like humans possess.

Eyelid

The structure that protects the eye from injury, light, and foreign materials.

Conjunctiva

The mucus membrane that lines the inside of the eyelid.

Nictitating membrane

Also known as the third eyelid, a fold of the conjunctiva located on the medial canthus.

Lacrimal apparatus

Structures that produce, store, and remove tears from the eye.

Nasolacrimal duct

The tear duct that runs from the lacrimal duct in the eye to the nasal cavity.

Aqueous chamber

The chamber in the eye containing aqueous humor which nourishes intraocular structures.

Vitreous chamber

The chamber in the eye containing vitreous humor, a jelly-like substance.

Myosis

The constriction of the pupil, making it smaller.

Mydriasis

The dilation of the pupil, making it larger.

Accommodation

The ability to focus on near and far distances.

Refraction

The bending of light rays by the lens to focus on the retina.

Optic nerve

The nerve that relays images and recognition from the retina to the brain.

Cochlea

The organ of hearing within the inner ear, resembling a snail.

Semicircular canals

Three canals in the inner ear that help maintain balance.

Endolymph

Fluid inside the ampulla in the semicircular canals that helps with equilibrium.

Tympanic membrane

Also known as the eardrum, separates the external ear from the middle ear.

Auditory ossicles

Tiny bones in the middle ear that transmit sound waves to the inner ear.

Cerumen

The scientific term for earwax.

Acquity

Sharpness of vision.

Convergence

The inward movement of both eyes to achieve binocular vision.

Cornea

The transparent front part of the eye that covers the iris and pupil, allowing light to enter.

Iris

The colored part of the eye surrounding the pupil that controls the amount of light entering the eye.

Pupil

The opening in the center of the iris that allows light to enter the eye.

Lens

A transparent structure behind the iris that helps to focus light onto the retina.

Retina

The light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that converts light into neural signals.

Macula

The central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision.

Fovea

A small depression in the retina where visual acuity is highest.

Sclera

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

Choroid

The layer of blood vessels between the sclera and retina that nourishes the retina.