Ch. 7.7 Special Senses Key Terms
What is aqueous humor
The clear, watery fluid found in the anterior chamber of the eye (between the cornea and lens). It helps maintain the eye’s shape and refract light.
What is conjunctiva
The mucous membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the front of the sclera.
What is lens
The clear, circular structure behind the iris that bends (refracts) light rays so they focus on the retina.
What is refracts
To bend light rays, such as when the cornea and lens focus light on the retina.
What is vestibule
The first section of the inner ear, located between the eardrum and the cochlea; helps with balance.
What is auditory canal
The tube-like passage in the outer ear that carries sound waves to the tympanic membrane (eardrum).
The clear, circular, front part of the sclera that allows light to enter the eye.
What is organ of corti
The structure inside the cochlea contains hair cells and serves as the receptor of sound waves
What is retina
The innermost layer of the eye contains rods and cones that pick up light rays and send impulses to the brain.
What is vitreous humor
The jelly-like substance that fills the large chamber behind the lens and helps maintain the shape of the eyeball.
What is auricle
The outer, visible part of the ear that collects sound waves.
What is eustachian tube
The tube that connects the middle ear to the throat, helping equalize air pressure on both sides of the eardrum.
What is ossicles
The three small bones (malleus, incus, stapes) in the middle ear that transmit sound vibrations.
What is sclera
The tough, white outer layer of the eye (“white of the eye”) that maintains eye shape.
What is choroid coat
The middle, dark-colored layer of the eye that contains blood vessels and nourishes the eye.
What is iris
The colored part of the eye that controls the size of the pupil.
What is pinna
Another name for the auricle, the outer part of the ear.
What is semicircular canals
Three loop-shaped structures in the inner ear that help maintain balance and equilibrium.
What is cochlea
The snail-shaped structure in the inner ear that contains the organ of Corti and converts sound waves into nerve impulses.
What is lacrimal glands
The tear-producing glands located above the eye.
What is pupil
The opening in the center of the iris that allows light to enter the eye.
What is tympanic membrane
The eardrum; it vibrates when sound waves hit it and separates the outer ear from the middle ear.