Ch. 7.7 Special Senses Key Terms
aqueous humor
This is a clear water fluid that fills the space between the cornea and the eyelid.
conjunctiva
This is the mucous membrane.
lens
This is a circular structure located behind the pupil, and is suspended in position by ligaments
refracts
This is what the lens does, it refracts which means bends the light rays.
vestibule
The central part of the inner ear, situated next to the cochlea, which contains structures that help control balance
auditory canal
This is a canal or tube.
cornea
The circular, transparent part of the front of the sclera
organ of corti
The receptor organ for hearing is located within the cochlea of the inner ear, containing the hair cells that transmit sound vibrations.
retina
It is made of many layers of the nerve cells which transmit light impulses to the optic nerve.
vitreous humor
A jellylike substance that fills the area behind the lens. It helps maintain the shape of the eyeball.
auricle
This is the visible part of the outer ear
eustachian tube
This is a tube that connects the middle ear to the pharynx.
ossicles
The three small bones of the middle ear: the malleus, incus, and stapes, which transmit sound vibrations from the tympanic membrane to the inner ear.
sclera
The outermost layer, which is the tough connective tissue.
choroid coat
It is intralaced with many blood vessels that nourish the eye.
iris
This is the colored portion of the eye.
pinna
This is the visible part of the ear.
semicircular canals
Three canals in the inner ear contain liquid and delicate hair-like cells that help maintain a sense of balance and equilibrium.
cochlea
Contains the organ of corti for hearing
lacrimal glands
This produces tears.
pupil
This is the opening center of the iris.
tympanic membrane
A membrane that separates the external ear from the middle ear and vibrates when sound waves hit it.