Ch. 7.7 Special Senses Key Terms
What is aqueous humor
The aqueous humor is a clear, watery fluid that fills the space between the cornea and iris.
What is conjunctiva
A mucous membrane, called the conjunctiva, lines the eyelids and covers the front of the eye to provide additional protection and lubrication.
What is lens
The lens is a circular structure located behind the pupil and suspended in position by ligaments. It refracts (bends) light rays so the rays focus on the retina.
What is refracts
bends
What is vestibule
The first section is the vestibule, which acts as the entrance to the two other parts of the inner ear.
What is auditory canal
A canal, or tube, called the external auditory meatus, or auditory canal.
What is cornea
The cornea is a circular, transparent part of the front of the sclera. It allows light rays to enter the eye.
What is organ of corti
The organ of Corti transmits the impulses from sound waves to the auditory nerve.
What is retina
The innermost layer of the eye is the retina.
What is vitreous humor
The vitreous humor is 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 auricle
The outer ear contains the visible part of the ear, sen called the pinna, or auricle.
What is eustachian tube
The middle ear is connected to the pharynx, or throat, by a tube called the eustachian tube. This tube allows air to enter the middle ear and helps equalize air pressure on both sides of the tympanic membrane.
What is ossicles
It contains three small bones (ossicles): the malleus, the incus, and the stapes. The bones are connected and transmit sound waves from the tympanic membrane to the inner ear.
What is sclera
The outermost layer is the tough connective tissue called the sclera
What is choroid coat
What is iris
The iris is the colored portion of the eye. It is located behind the cornea on the front of the choroid coat.
What is pinna
The pinna is elastic cartilage covered by skin.
What is semicircular canals
Semicircular canals are also located in the inner ear. These canals contain a liquid and delicate, hairlike cells that bend when the liquid moves with head and body movements.
What is cochlea
The cochlea, shaped like a snail's shell, contains delicate, hairlike mechanoreceptor cells, which compose the organ of Corti, a receptor of sound waves.
What is lacrimal glands
Lacrimal glands in the eye produce tears, which constantly moisten and cleanse the eye.
What is pupil
The opening in the center of the colored portion of the eye is called the pupil.
What is tympanic membrane
The tympanic membrane separates the outer ear from the middle ear. It vibrates when sound waves hit it and transmits the sound waves to the middle ear.