exam notes/extra reading

Question 1

Link structure and function

Answer 1

Explain structure and how it relates to function

Question 2

Use the correct anatomical terms

Answer 2

Use the precise terms - don’t get lazy and say anterior-posterior, ie use superficial-deep if dealing with layers of cornea

Question 3

Make links specific

Answer 3

Don’t just info dump everything - relevantly link to question

Question 4

Flare

Answer 4

‘The x-factor’

Fluidity, express an essay that seems you know the subject inside and out - joined sentences that flows well

Question 5

Extra reading

Answer 5

Can use extra reading or critical thinking to add that push over 70%

Question 6

Critical thinking

Answer 6

Link between topics

Question 7

Episcleritis

Answer 7

There are three layers in the sclera (white part of the eye) and each of them contain blood vessels. They are usually not visible to the external observer except in certain inflammatory conditions. Blood vessels in the outermost layer, the episclera, dilate (widen) and become visible in a condition called episcleritis

Question 8

Why is the trochlear nerve innervating the superior oblique muscle instead of oculomotor

Answer 8

This “pulley” system afforded by the trochlea makes the superior oblique unique among the extraocular muscles and allows for its muscular functions of depression, abduction, and intorsion of the eye. Because of the muscle’s placement at the posterior portion of the eye, the muscle elevates the posterior of the eye, causing the front of the eye to become depressed. The muscle also causes abduction of the eye, moving the pupil away from the nose, and intorsion, rotating the eye such that the top of the eye moves toward the nose.

The superior oblique muscle is the only extraocular muscle that can lower the pupil with the eye adducted. Thus, to isolate the function of the superior oblique muscle from the other extraocular muscles, the muscle can be tested by requesting the patient to adduct the eye and then ask to depress the eye. Failure to depress the eye during adduction indicates a problem with the superior oblique muscle or the trochlear nerve.[4] In addition, a general rule of thumb is that “obliques go opposite”; the left superior oblique is tested by having the patient look right, while the right superior oblique is tested with the patient looking left

Question 9

Lateral rectus

Answer 9

The most common lateral rectus pathology encountered is a sixth nerve palsy, known as abducens palsy. In this case, the patient will not be able to abduct the eye and as a consequence, will experience diplopia or double vision. The diplopia will be binocular, meaning that if the patient covers one eye, he or she will not experiment double vision. Diplopia caused by lateral rectus muscle palsy gets worse when the clinician makes the patient look in the direction of the palsied muscle. For example, a case of right lateral rectus palsy, the patient will experience diplopia when looking to the right. Although complete lateral rectus palsy is easy to diagnose, sometimes microvascular damage to the nerve causes a “micro palsy,” where the patient seems to have the movements preserved but has double vision.[3]