Parts of the Eye (Terms)

Question 1

Sclera (Purpose)

Answer 1

Gives structure and safety for internal workings of eye
Flexible so the eye can move to seek out objects
Protects eye and makes stronger

Question 2

Sclera (Appearance)

Answer 2

Smooth, soft, white material that covers front and back of eye
“Whites of eyes”
Internal part is brown and contains grooves which help tendons attach properly

Question 3

Conjunctiva (Purpose)

Answer 3

Protects eye from dirt, grit, germs

Inflammation of this causes pink eye due to irritation or infection

Question 4

Conjunctiva (Appearance)

Answer 4

Clear, slick material that lies over sclera

Membrane that lines the inside of eyelid and exposed part of eye

Question 5

Conjunctiva Glands

Answer 5

Layers of mucus that helps to keep the outside of eye moist

Question 6

Lacrimal Glands

Answer 6

Produce tears which help moisten the eye when it becomes dry and flush out particles which irritate the eye
Flushing out irritants makes it easier to focus
Located on outer corner of each eye

Question 7

Cornea (Purpose)

Answer 7

Lens that bends light, funneling it through eye

Can be surgically reshaped to improve focus

Question 8

Cornea (Appearance)

Answer 8

Clear, dome-shaped tier that covers colored part of eye

Contains five layers that renew quickly, forming a tough tier providing extra protection

Question 9

Cornea (Layers)

Answer 9

Epithelium
Bowman's membrane
Stroma
Descemet's membrane
Endothelium

Question 10

Epithelium

Answer 10

Outer protective layer of cornea
Can get scratched
Painful if contacts not properly fitted

Question 11

Bowman’s Membrane

Answer 11

Layer of tough fibers that help protect cornea

Question 12

Stroma

Answer 12

Thickest part of cornea

Makes up about 90% of cornea’s width

Question 13

Descemet’s Membrane

Answer 13

Thin layer covering the next layer of cornea like a wrapper

Question 14

Endothelium

Answer 14

Innermost layer of cornea
Acts like housekeeper mopping up and getting rid of excess water that accumulates in the cornea
Gets less efficient over years, leading to hazy vision

Question 15

Kera-

Answer 15

Prefix often used to describe cornea
Refers to tough keratin cells in cornea
(eg keratisis, keratoconus)

Question 16

Iris (Purpose)

Answer 16

Encloses the pupil
Uses dilator pupillae muscles to close or widen pupil
Will narrow pupil so eye can focus more effectively if it’s too bright

Question 17

Iris (Appearance)

Answer 17

Colored part of eye
Brown eyes have more pigment
Less pigment means more light sensitivity

Question 18

Pupil (Purpose)

Answer 18

Takes in light so eye can focus

Muscles in iris control expansion and contraction

Question 19

Pupil (Appearance)

Answer 19

Hole in center of iris

Question 20

Lens (Purpose)

Answer 20

Focuses light the pupil takes in