A | B |
Lacrimal Glands | the glands in the eyes that produce tears and keep the eye moist and constantly cleanse it |
Conjuctiva | a mucous membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the front of the eye to provide additional protection and lubricant to the eye |
Sclera | the outermost layer of the eye made of connective tissue and frequently referred to as the "whites" of the eyes. In patients with Hepatitis or Liver conditions it may turn yellow (jaundice) |
Cornea | is a circular transparent part of the front of the sclera and allows light rays to enter the eye |
Choroid Coat | the middle layer of the eye that is interlaced with many blood vessels that nourish the eye. |
Retina | the innermost layer of the eye and made of many layers of nerve cells which transmit light impulses to the optic nerve |
Cones | are special cells lining the retina that allow us to see and interpret color |
Rods | cells that line the retina that allow us to see when vision is dark or dim |
Iris | the colored portion of the eye that contains two muscles which control the size of the pupil and regulate the amount of light entering the eye |
Pupil | the opening in the center of the eye |
Lens | a circular structure located behind the pupil and suspended by ligaments that helps the eye focus by refracting (bending) light rays to the rays focuc on the retina |
Aqueous Humor | a clear watery fluid that fills the space between the cornea and the iris and maintains the forward curve of the eye |
Vitreous Humor | is the jellylike substance that fills the area behind the lens and maintains the shape of the eyeball |
Amblyopia | lazy eye, commonly occurs early in childhood which can be treated by covering the dominant eye to stimulate the strength in the laze eye. If not treated before the age of 9 blindness may occur |
Astigmatism | is an abnormal shape of curvature of the cornea that causes blurred vision but can be corrected by glasses and help to focus light on one area of the retina versus multiple areas which causes blurry vision especially at night |
Cataract | occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and the patient may see halos around lights, have gradual vision loss, or a milky-white pupil. Sight can be restored by surgical removal |
Conjunctivitis | Pink EYE, a very contagious inflammation of the conjuctiva due to a bacteria (can be treated by antibiotics) or a virus |
Glaucoma | increased intraocular pressure within the eye caused by excessive aqueous humor and is the leading cause of blindness over 40 years of age and symptoms include loss of peripheral (side) vision, halos, limited night vision, and mild aching which can be treated with eye drops or surgery |
Hyperopia | Farsightedness (you can see things FAR away but cannot see things close) |
Myopia | Nearsightedness ( you can see things CLOSE but not far away) |
Presbyopia | loss of lens elasticity that can cause farsightedness and can be corrected with "reading glasses" or bifocals |
Strabismus | when the eyes do not move or focus together and can be treated with eye exercises or surgery |
Nystagmus | involuntary movement of the eye ( dancing eyes or jerking ) and can be associated with vertigo, nervous system damage (concussion), toxicity, drugs, or alcohol |
Pinna or Auricle | the elastic cartilage of the outside of the ear covered in skin that gives a persons ears shape |
Auditory Canal | also known as the ear canal |
Cerumen | ear wax that is produces in the auditory canal to protect the ear and tympanic membrane (eardrum) |
Middle Ear | small space where the transmission of sound from the tympanic membrane vibrates the three small bones (Ossicles: malleus, incus, and stapes) to the inner ear |
Eustachian Tube | a tube that connects the middle ear to the phaynx (throat) and allows air to enter the ear (popping) to equalize pressure on both sides of the tympanic membrane so you can hear |
Inner Ear | the most complex portion of the sense of hearing where vibrations are interpreted into sound |
Oval Window | separates the middle ear from the inner ear |
Vestibule | the first section of the inner ear which acts as an entrance to the two other parts of the inner ear |
Cochlea | shaped like a snail's shell in the inner ear and contains structures that assist in hearing |
Organ of Corti | part of the cochlea that houses the hairlike projections that assist in interpreting vibrations into sound |
Semicircular Canal | canals that contain a liquid and delicate hairlike cells that bend when the liquid moves with the head and body movements and assist patients with their sense of balance and equilibrium |
Meniere's Disease | results from a collection of fluid in the labyrinth of the inner ear and a degeneration of the hair like cells in the cochlea and vestibule. Symptoms include vertigo, tinnitus, nausea and vomiting, loss of balance and a tendency to fall |
Vertigo | severe dizziness |
Tinnitus | ringing of the ears |
Otitis Externa | inflammation of the external auditory canal and is usually caused by a bacteria or virus. Swimmer Ear is a common example |
Otitis Media | inflammation or infection of the middle ear and frequently following a sore throat or strep throat since the eustachian tube is a pathway for organisms to travel up when coughing or sneezing |
Myringotomy | a procedure where a small incision is made in the tympanic membrane and tubes are inserted to relieve pressure and allow fluid to drain |
Otosclerosis | occurs when the stapes become immoblie, causing conductive hearing loss and symptoms include graudal hearing loss, tinnitus, and at times vertigo. |
Sense of Taste | sweet and salty on the tip of tongue while sour is on the sides and bitter is in the back all of which can be influenced by the sense of smell |