Ch. 7.7 Special Senses Key Terms
What is aqueous humor?
A clear, watery fluid that fills the space between the cornea and iris.
auricle
The visible part of the outer ear, called the pinna
What is the choroid coat?
The middle layer of the eye, which is interlaced with many blood vessels that nourish the eye.
What is the conjunctiva?
A mucous membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the front of the eye to provide additional protection and lubrication.
What is the cornea?
The circular, transparent part of the front of the sclera (the outermost layer) that allows light rays to enter the eye.
What is the iris?
The colored portion of the eye, located behind the cornea. It contains two muscles that control the size of the pupil
What are the lacrimal glands?
Glands in the eye that produce tears, which constantly moisten and cleanse the eye.
What is the lens?
A circular structure located behind the pupil. It refracts (bends) light rays so they focus on the retina.
What does "refracts" mean?
To bend (light rays).
What is the pupil?
The opening in the center of the iris that regulates the amount of light entering the eye.
What is the retina?
The innermost layer of the eye, made of many layers of nerve cells, including the rods and cones.
What is the sclera?
The outermost, tough connective tissue layer of the eye. It maintains the shape of the eye and is what is referred to as the "white" of the eye.
What is vitreous humor?
The jellylike substance that fills the area behind the lens. It helps maintain the shape of the eyeball and also refracts light rays.
What is the auditory canal?
The canal, or tube, (also called the external auditory meatus) that leads from the pinna to the eardrum.
What is the auricle?
The visible part of the ear (also called pinna).
What is the cochlea?
A part of the inner ear that is shaped like a snail's shell and contains the Organ of Corti.
What is the eustachian tube?
A tube that connects the middle ear to the pharynx (throat) and helps equalize air pressure on both sides of the eardrum.
What is the organ of Corti?
A receptor of sound waves located in the cochlea; it transmits impulses from sound waves to the auditory nerve.
What are the ossicles?
The three small bones in the middle ear: the malleus, the incus, and the stapes.
What is the pinna?
The visible part of the ear (also called auricle).
What are the semicircular canals?
Three canals in the inner ear that contain a liquid and hairlike cells; they send impulses to the cerebellum to help maintain balance.
What is the tympanic membrane?
The eardrum. It separates the outer ear from the middle ear and vibrates when sound waves hit it.
What is the vestibule?
The first section of the inner ear, which acts as the entrance to the other two parts (the cochlea and semicircular canals).