special Senses Key Terms
What is the Aqueous humor
Watery fluid located in the front of the lens that helps maintain the eyeball's shape and refract light.
What is the Choroid coat
The middle layer of the eye, interlaced with blood vessels.
What is the Cornea
A circular, transparent part of the sclera that allows light rays to enter the eye.
What is the Iris
The colored portion of the eye. The iris muscles control the size of the pupil.
What are the Lens
Located behind the pupil, it refracts light rays to focus them on the retina.
What is the pupil
The opening in the center of the iris.
What is Refracts
The action of the lens to bend light rays to focus them on the retina.
What is the Retina
The innermost layer of the eye containing photoreceptor nerve cells: cones (sensitive to color and light vision) and rods (used for dark or dim vision).
What is the Sclera
The outermost layer, or "white" of the eye, that maintains the eye's shape.
What is the Vitreous humor
A jellylike substance behind the lens that helps maintain the eyeball's shape and refract light.
What is the Auditory canal
A passage in the outer ear that leads to the tympanic membrane.
What is the Auricle
Another term for the pinna, which is the outermost part of the ear.
What is the Cochlea
A structure in the inner ear which contains the organ of Corti for hearing.
What is the Eustachian tube
A tube connecting the middle ear to the throat, which serves to equalize air pressure.
What is the Organ of Corti
Located in the cochlea, this structure is responsible for hearing.
What are the Ossicles
The three small bones in the middle ear: the malleus, incus, and stapes.
What is the Pinna
The outermost part of the ear (also called the auricle).
What are the Semicircular canals
Structures in the inner ear that help maintain balance and equilibrium.
What is the Tympanic membrane
The eardrum, which is located at the end of the auditory canal.
What is the Conjunctiva
A mucous membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the front of the eye, providing additional protection and lubrication.
What are the Lacrimal Gland
Glands located in the eye that produce tears, which constantly moisten and cleanse the eye.
What is the Vestibule
The first section of the inner ear, which acts as the entrance to the two other parts of the inner ear: the cochlea and the semicircular canals.