Ch. 15 pt 1

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the anatomy and physiology of the eye.

Glaucoma

A condition in which drainage of aqueous humor is blocked, increasing pressure in the eye.

Special senses

Senses that require specialized receptors including vision, taste, smell, hearing, and equilibrium.

Accessory structures

Structures that protect the eye and aid in its functions, such as eyelids and lacrimal glands.

Cornea

The transparent anterior part of the eye that allows light to enter and bends light.

Iris

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

Pupil

The central opening in the iris that regulates the amount of light entering the eye.

Conjunctiva

A transparent mucous membrane that covers the white part of the eye and lines the eyelids.

Lacrimal apparatus

System that produces and drains tears; includes the lacrimal gland and ducts.

Retina

The inner layer of the eye containing photoreceptors that transduce light energy.

Vitreous humor

A gel-like substance filling the posterior segment of the eye, helping to maintain its shape.

Aqueous humor

A plasma-like fluid found in the anterior segment of the eye; continuously formed.

Extrinsic eye muscles

Six muscles that control eye movement and help maintain eye position in the orbit.

Sclera

The white outer layer of the eyeball; provides protection and shape to the eye.

Ciliary body

The structure that controls the shape of the lens and secretes aqueous humor.

Macula lutea

A yellow spot in the retina where vision is most acute, containing high concentrations of cones.

Fovea centralis

A tiny pit in the center of the macula lutea that contains only cones and provides the sharpest vision.

Optic nerve

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

Choroid

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

Photoreceptors

Cells in the retina (rods and cones) that convert light into electrical signals.

Rods

Photoreceptor cells that detect dim light and are responsible for peripheral vision.

Cones

Photoreceptor cells that provide high-resolution color vision in bright light.

Diplopia

A condition also known as double vision, where the alignment of the eyes is not coordinated.

Strabismus

A condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other; commonly known as cross-eye.

Tarsal glands

Glands located in the eyelids that secrete an oily substance to lubricate the eye.

Meibomian glands

Another name for tarsal glands, which help to prevent the evaporation of tears.

Chalazion

An obstructed tarsal gland that results in a firm bump in the eyelid.

Sty

A painful inflammation of sebaceous glands at the base of an eyelash.

Conjunctivitis

An inflammation of the conjunctiva, often called pinkeye, which is highly contagious.

Blind spot

The area of the retina where the optic nerve exits the eye, lacking photoreceptors.

Aqueous humor drainage

The process by which aqueous humor is reabsorbed into the venous blood, preventing increased pressure.

Cataract

Clouding of the lens, often due to aging, which can affect vision.

Lenticular changes

Changes in the lens of the eye typically associated with aging, leading to decreased elasticity.

Phototransduction

The process by which photoreceptors convert light stimuli into electrical signals.

Sphincter pupillae muscle

Circular muscles that constrict the pupil in bright light.

Dilator pupillae muscle

Radial muscles that dilate the pupil in dim light.

Visual acuity

The clarity or sharpness of vision, best at the fovea centralis.

Aqueous humor formation

Aqueous humor is formed by filtration from capillaries in the ciliary processes.

Vascular layer

Also known as the uvea, comprising the choroid, ciliary body, and iris.

Scleral venous sinus

Also called Canal of Schlemm, the site for reabsorption of aqueous humor.

Pigmented layer of the retina

The outer layer of the retina that absorbs light and prevents its scattering.

Neural layer of the retina

The inner layer containing photoreceptors and neurons involved in processing visual signals.

Eyelid function

Protects the eye and spreads moisture over the eye's surface during blinking.

Ciliary zonule

The suspensory ligament that holds the lens in place and connects to the ciliary body.

Pterygium

A benign growth on the conjunctiva that can affect vision.

Optic disc

The point where the optic nerve exits the eye, resulting in a natural blind spot.

Central artery and vein of the retina

Blood vessels that supply the retina and are vital for its health and function.

Lacrimal puncta

Small openings that allow tears to drain through the lacrimal canaliculi.

Watery eyes

Condition caused by swelling in the lacrimal duct system, often due to colds.