Eye and Ear

Question 1

The semi- circular canals in the ear are not involved in hearing.
State the function of the semi-circular canals and explain how they carry out this function.
(3 marks)

Answer 1

Function:
To help maintain balance.
Explanation:
Filled with fluid.
Fluid moves as we do.
Messages sent to the brain.
Gives information on orientation/direction/which way is up.

Question 2

Complete the description.
The middle ear is a chamber filled with ___1___ between the ___2___ and the inner ear. The ___3___ connects the middle ear to the throat and ensures that the pressure of the middle ear is equal to the pressure outside the ear. The ___4___ is one of the three small bones that transmit vibrations.
Words: Air, Cochlea, Ear drum, Eustachian tube, Fluid, Incus, Round window

Answer 2

1. Air
2. Ear drum
3. Eustachian tube
4. Incus

Question 3

Identify two possible treatments for hearing loss.
(2 marks)

Answer 3

Hearing aids/hearing loops.
Cochlear implants.
Middle ear implants.
Removing earwax/ syringing/eardrops.
Grommets.

Question 4

Describe the physiological cause of cataracts.
(2 marks)

Answer 4

Protein build up.
Cloudy vision/ patches developed.
Cloudiness become more severe/ patches increase in size.

Question 5

Identify two structures that are found in the inner ear.

Answer 5

Auditory nerve
Semi-circular canals
Cochlea

Question 6

Name the part of the eye affected by cataracts.
(1 mark)

Answer 6

Lens

Question 7

Name all of the parts of the ear.
(8 marks)

Answer 7

Auditory nerve
Cochlea
Eardrum (timpanic membrane)
Eustachian tube
External Ear
Incus (anvil)
Malleus (hammer)
Semi-circular canals
Stapes (stirrup)

Question 8

What produces liquid to moisten the surface of the eye?

Answer 8

Tear glands

Question 9

What forms a thin protective layer (mucous
membrane) covering the front of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids?

Answer 9

Conjunctiva

Question 10

What is the first part of the eye to focus the light and the outermost layer that is transparent and convex in shape?

Answer 10

Cornea

Question 11

What is the coloured part of the eye that controls the amount of light entering the eye?

Answer 11

Iris

Question 12

What is the lining of the back of the eye that contains cells which are sensitive to light?

Answer 12

Retina

Question 13

How can malfunctions of the eye and ear may impact someone’s life?

Answer 13

Eye problems may impact an individuals availability to read or see. Ear malfunctions will impact an individuals hearing and being able to maintain conversations.

Question 14

Malfunctions of the eyes.

Answer 14

Glaucoma
AMD
Cataracts
Retinopathy

Question 15

Malfunctions of the ear.

Answer 15

Deafness
Hearing loss
Conductive hearing loss
Sensio neural hearing loss

Question 16

Identify one function of the semi-circular canals.

Answer 16

Balance, keeping upright, orientation, changes of speed.

Question 17

Which part of the brain processes sensory information from the ear?

Answer 17

Cerebral cortex.

Question 18

How do cataracts affect the functioning of the eye?

Answer 18

Cataracts are clouding of lens.
Lens completes focusing of light on retina.
Light is poorly focussed initially – may not be noticed.
Increasing cloudiness eventually means vision becomes blurred / eventual sight loss.
Colour acuity may lessen due to light being scattered differently.
Halos around lights.
Poor night vision.

Question 19

What is the monitoring and treatments used for cataracts.

Answer 19

Monitoring for cataracts:
Eye tests
Visual acuity exam
Regular check-ups

Question 20

Which structure is lined with tiny hairs and helps us to maintain balance?

Answer 20

Semi-circular canals

Question 21

Which structure contains ampullae?

Answer 21

Semi-circular canals

Question 22

Suggest two reasons why osteoporosis may also cause hearing loss?

Answer 22

There are bones (ossicles, malleus, incus, stapes) in the ear.
Bones in ear needed to transmit vibration.
Bones get damaged/less dense/brittle.
Damaged bones can’t transmit vibrations.