Course of Light Wave and Ear Structure

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to the anatomy of the eye and ear as outlined in the course of light wave and ear structure lectures.

Cornea

The transparent front part of the eye that refracts light and helps in forming an image.

Lens

A transparent, biconcave structure that further refracts light to focus images on the retina.

Retina

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

Focal point

The specific point where light rays converge to create a clear image; does not process the image itself.

Cones

Photoreceptors in the retina that enable color perception and function best in bright light.

Rods

Photoreceptors in the retina that are sensitive to low light levels and do not perceive color.

Aqueous Humor

A clear fluid that maintains intraocular pressure and nourishes the eye structures, produced by the ciliary body.

Sclera

The white part of the eye that provides structural support and protection.

Iris

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

Ciliary Body

The structure that contains the ciliary muscles, responsible for adjusting the shape of the lens.

Optic Nerve

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

Macula Lutea

A small, highly pigmented area in the retina responsible for sharp central vision.

Fovea Centralis

The central part of the macula, containing a high density of cones for sharp vision.

Diplopia

The condition of seeing double images or double vision.

Choroid

The vascular layer of the eye between the retina and sclera that provides nutrients.

Glaucoma

A condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure which can lead to vision loss.

Cochlea

The spiral-shaped structure in the inner ear responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals.

Vestibule

The central part of the inner ear that helps maintain balance.

Semicircular Canals

Three looped structures in the inner ear, responsible for detecting rotational movements and helping maintain balance.

Organ of Corti

The sensory organ within the cochlea that contains hair cells and converts sound vibrations into nerve impulses.

Tympanic membrane

Also known as the eardrum, it separates the external ear from the middle ear and vibrates in response to sound waves.

Ossicles

The three small bones in the middle ear (malleus, incus, stapes) that transmit vibrations to the cochlea.

Eustachian tube

A tube that connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx, helping to equalize air pressure.

Stapedius

The small muscle in the middle ear that dampens excessive sound vibrations.

Tensor Tympani

A muscle in the middle ear that tenses the tympanic membrane to reduce sound transmission.

Perilymph

The fluid that fills the space between the bony and membranous labyrinths in the inner ear.

Endolymph

The fluid contained within the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear.