Lab 9: Ear and Eye Review

These flashcards cover key concepts and structures related to the ear and eye, as well as components of the central and peripheral nervous systems from Lab 9.

What are the two types of equilibrium detected in the ear, and where are they located?

Static equilibrium is detected in the vestibule, while dynamic equilibrium is detected in the semicircular canals.

What are the three ear bones and their functions?

Malleus (touches tympanic membrane), Incus (middle bone), Stapes (touches oval window and transmits sound to inner ear).

What is the function of rod and cone cells in the retina?

Rod cells are responsible for vision in low light, while cone cells are responsible for color vision and sharp focus.

What does the choroid layer do in the eye?

The choroid layer is located between the sclera and retina and provides nourishment to the retina; in humans, it appears black, while in nocturnal animals, it is iridescent.

What is the role of the optic nerve?

The optic nerve is a tough white tube-like structure that carries visual input from the retina to the brain for image interpretation.

What is the optic disc, also known as the blind spot?

The optic disc is the area in the retina where the optic nerve joins the eye; it has no photoreceptors, so it creates a blind spot in vision.

What distinguishes the central nervous system (CNS) from the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS includes all the nerves attached to the brain and spinal cord.

Identify the components of gray matter in the spinal cord.

Gray matter consists of the ventral horn, lateral horn, and dorsal horn.

What structures are included in the spinal cord?

The spinal cord includes the central canal, gray matter, white matter, anterior median fissure, posterior median sulcus, dorsal root, ventral root, dorsal root ganglion, and spinal nerve.

What is an action potential?

An action potential is a rapid rise and subsequent fall in voltage or membrane potential across a cellular membrane, crucial for neuron signaling.