Eye and Ear Anatomy & Terminology

Choroid: Middle layer of the eye containing blood vessels.
Cornea: Transparent part of the sclera over the iris.
- Combining form: kerato-.
Iris: The colored part of the eye.
- Pigmented, muscular structure regulating light entering the eye by controlling pupil size.
- Sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) causes pupils to dilate.
Lens: Behind the pupil, focuses and bends light.
Optic Nerve: Carries visual information to the occipital lobe of the brain.
Pupil: Opening where light passes into the eye.
- Dilated: More light enters.
- Constricted: Less light enters.
Retina: Inner layer containing visual receptors.
Sclera: The white of the eye; outer protective layer.

Auricle (Pinna):
- External, visible part of the ear.
- Directs sound waves into the middle and inner ears.
Cochlea:
- Coiled part of the inner ear.
- Contains receptors that pick up sound vibrations and transmit them to the brain.
Eustachian Tube:
- Connects the middle ear to the pharynx (throat).
- Drains fluid from the ear to the throat to regulate pressure. Stents may be needed for those with chronic ear infections due to fluid build-up.
External Auditory Canal:
- Short tube connecting the eardrum to the auricle.
Outer Ear:
- Auricle + External Auditory Canal.
Inner Ear (Labyrinth):
- Bony spaces with crystals that help maintain balance.
Middle ear:
- Tympanic membrane (eardrum).
- Eustachian tube (drains fluid to pharynx).
- Ossicles(bones): Stapes, Incus, Malleus (carry sound waves to inner ear).
Tympanic Membrane (Eardrum):
- Separates the external auditory canal from the middle ear.
- Transforms sound waves into vibrations.

-metri: measurement
-plegia: paralysis
-ptosis: drooping, sagging, prolapse
- Cardioplegia: Solution used during open heart surgery to stop the heart from beating.

Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelid (e.g., a stye).
Blepharoplasty: Surgical repair of the eyelid.
Blepharoptosis: Drooping of the eyelid.
Iridectomy: Excision of the iris.
Iridoplegia: Paralysis of the iris.
Iritis: Inflammation of the iris.
Keratometer/Ophthalmometer: Instrument to measure the curvature of the cornea.
Keratoplasty: Surgical repair of the cornea.
Ophthalmic: Pertaining to the eye (e.g., ophthalmic drops for pink eye).
Ophthalmologist: Physician (MD) who studies and treats eye conditions.
Ophthalmoscope: Instrument to visually examine the eye.
Optometry: Measurement of vision.
Retinitis: Inflammation of the retina (caused by bacteria).
Scleral: Pertaining to the sclera.
Scleritis: Inflammation of the sclera.

Audiologist: Specialist in treating hearing issues.
Audiology: Study of hearing.
Audiometer: Instrument to measure hearing.
Myringoplasty: Surgical repair of the eardrum (e.g., after a burst eardrum).
Myringotomy: Incision into the eardrum.
Otitis: Inflammation of the ear (general term).
Otoplasty: Surgical repair of the ear.
Otolaryngologist (ENT): Physician who treats diseases and infections of the ear, nose, and throat.
Otorrhea: Discharge from the ear (often with otitis externa).
Otoscope: Instrument to look inside the ear.
Tympanic: Pertaining to the middle ear.
Tympanoplasty: Surgical repair of the middle ear.

Astigmatism (AST): Irregular curvature of the eye causing blurry vision.
Cataract: Clouding of the lens of the eye.
Glaucoma: Damage to the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure in the eye.
Hyperopia: Farsightedness (see far away but blurry close up).
LASIK: Laser procedure to reshape the cornea.
Macular Degeneration: Deterioration of the macula (part of the retina), causing loss of central vision.
- Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
Myopia: Nearsightedness (see close up but blurry far away).
Optometrist (OD): performs eye exams, vision tests, and prescribes corrective lenses. Has a doctorate degree.
Otitis Media: Inflammation of the middle ear.
Presbycusis: Hearing impairment due to age.
Presbyopia: Vision impairment due to age.
Retinal Detachment: Separation of the retina from the back of the eye (not painful, but affects vision).
Tinnitus: Ringing in the ears.