CH. 07.7 KEY TERMS
aqueous humor
clear, watery fluid that fills the space between the cornea and iris. It helps maintain the forward curvature of the eyeball and refracts light rays
conjunctiva
a mucous membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the front of the eye to provide protection and lubrication
lens
a circular structure located behind the pupil and suspended in its position by ligaments, refracting light rays so that the rays focus on the retina.
refracts
bends
Vestibule
the entrance to the two other parts of the inner ear
auditory canal
sound waves travel through this until they reach the eardrum
cornea
a circular, transparent part of the front of the sclera
organ of corti
a receptor of sound waves that transmits the impulses from sound waves to the auditory nerve
retina
innermost layer of the eye which is made of many layers of nerve cells that transmit light impulses to the optic nerve.
vitreous humor
the jellylike substance that fills the area behind the lens.
the visible part of the ear
eustachian tube
allows air to enter the middle ear and helps equalize air pressure on both sides of the tympanic membrane
ossicles
the malleus, incus, and the stapes which are three small bones
sclera
the outermost layer (tough connective tissue). Refers to the white of the eye and maintains the shape.
choroid coat
the middle layer of the eye that is interlaced with many blood vessels that nourish the eyes
iris
the colored portion of the eye, which is located behind the cornea on the front of the choroid coat.
pinna
an elastic cartilage covered by skin that leads to the auditory canal
Semicircle canals
Three tiny, fluid-filled loops in the inner ear that control your sense of balance.
chochlea
contains delicate, hairlike mechanoreceptor cells which compose the organ of Corti
lacrimal glands
produce tears which constantly moisten and cleanse the eye
pupil
the opening in the center of the iris that contains two muscles that control the size of the pupil and regulate the amount of light entering the eye.
tympanic membrane
the eardrum, which separates the outer ear from the middle ear and vibrates when sound waves hit it.