Ch. 7.7 Special Senses Key Terms
A 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
aqueous humor
A mucous membrane, It lines the eyelids and covers the front of the eye to provide additional protection and lubrication
conjunctiva
Circular structure located behind the pupil and suspended in position by ligaments. It refracts (bends) light rays so the rays focus on the retina
Lens
bends, change direction when it enters at an angle
Refracts
The first section of the inner ear, which acts as the entrance to the two other parts of the inner ear.
Vestibule
external auditory meatus, special glands in the canal produce cerumen, a wax that protects the ear. Sound waves travel through this until they reach the eardrum and vibrates
auditory canal
A circular, transparent part of the front of the sclera. It allows light rays to enter the eye
Cornea
A receptor of sound waves, transmits the impulses from sound waves to the auditory nerve
organ of Corti
Opening in the center of the iris
Pupil
The jelly like substance that fills the area behind the lens. It helps maintain the shape of the eyeball and also refracts light rays. A series of muscles located in the eye provide for eye movement.
vitreous humor
Part of outer ear, elastic cartilage covered by skin. It leads to a canal, or tube, called the auditory canal
Auricle
A tube that allows air to enter the middle ear and helps equalize air pressure on both sides of the tympanic membrane. The middle ear is connected to the pharynx by this.
eustachian tube
a very small bone, especially one of those in the middle ear, function to transmit and amplify sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear, converting airborne sound waves into mechanical energy for the brain to interpret as sound
Ossicles
Outermost layer / the tough connective tissue to the eye. It maintains the shape of the eye. Extrinsic muscles are responsible for moving the eye within the socket and are attached to the outside of this
Sclera
The middle layer of the eye, it is interlaced with many blood vessels that nourish the eyes
choroid coat
The colored portion of the eye. It is located behind the cornea on the front of the choroid coat, Contains two muscles, which control the size of the pupil and regulate the amount of light entering the eye
Iris
Part of outer ear, elastic cartilage covered by skin. It leads to a canal, or tube, called the auditory canal
Pinna
Eardrum, It vibrates in response to sound waves and transmits these vibrations to the ossicles
tympanic membrane
Shaped like a snail's shell, contains delicate, hair like mechanoreceptor cells, which compose the organ of Corti, a receptor of sound waves
Cochlea
In the eye that produces tears, which constantly moisten and cleanse the eye
lacrimal glands
The innermost layer of the eye, it is made of many layers of nerve cells, which transmit the light impulses to the optic nerve. Two of these photoreceptor nerve cells are cones and rods.
Retina
Located in the inner ear, these canals contain a liquid and delicate, hair-like cells that bend when the liquid moves with the head and body movements. Impulsive sent from this to the cerebellum of the brain help to maintain our sense of balance and equilibrium
semicircular canals