The Eye Flashcards
Contents of the superior orbital fissure
Lacrimal nerve Frontal nerve Trochlear nerve Superior oculomotor Abducens Nasocilliary Inferior oculomotor
Contents of inferior orbital fissure
Zygomatic branch of facial nerve
Contents of optic canal
Optic nerve, optic artery and vein
Describe the structure and function of the lacrimal apparatus
Lacrimal gland lies in fossa on superolateral part of orbit and secretes lacrimal fluid,
Drains through lacrimal ducts to lacrimal sac at medial angle of eye,
When the cornea gets dry, the eye blinks and the eyelids carry a film of fluid over the eye and sweeps dust and foreign material back to the medial angle.
Describe the gross structure and function of the eyeball
Spherical to permit a variety of movements within the orbit
Light sensitive cells transduce light energy into electrical impulses, and have a direct connection to the brain via the optic nerve
Electrical impulses are processed by the brain, resulting in sight and reflex functions
What is a blowout fracture?
Fracture of the orbital floor (maxillary bone) leading to herniation of the orbital contents into the maxillary sinus
Caused by trauma or injury leading to a sudden increase in intraorbital pressure
Causes vertical diplopia (as the inferior rectus muscle is trapped), enopthalmos, infra orbital anaesthesia
Symptoms of an orbital fracture
Lid swelling Pain Diplopia Impaired vision Restricted eye movements Reduced visual field Enopthalmos (or exopthalmos due to increased pressure)
Describe the nerve supply to the eye
Special sensory = optic nerve
Sensory supply to cornea = ophthalmic nerve
Motor innervation = oculomotor, trochlear, abducens (SO4 LR6 R3)
Parasympathetic = fibres from ciliary ganglion travel with inferior oculomotor nerve to sphincter papillae and ciliary muscles
Sympathetic = fibres from superior cervical ganglion travel with superior oculomotor to dilator papillae and tarsal muscles
Describe the structure of the optic nerve
It is an extension of the brain, so is surrounded by cranial meninges: Pia mata, arachnoid mata, dura mata
Has central artery and vein
What are the three layers of tissue around the eyeball
Sclera = protective outer fibrous layer, forms white of the eye, provides attachment for extraocular muscles, has transparent part at front to let light through (cornea).
Choroid = middle vascular layer, gives red light reflex, terminates anteriorly as the ciliary bodies.
Retina = inner layer with photoreceptors
What are the macula lutea, fovea centralis and optic disc?
All parts of the retina
Macula lutea is a specialised area for visual acuity, containing the most photoreceptors
Fovea centralis is the centre of the macula lutea
Optic disc is the circular depressed area where the optic nerve enters, has no photoreceptors (blind spot)
Describe the structure and function of the lens and iris
Lens = a transparent biconcave disc enclosed in a capsule, attached to the ciliary bodies by suspensory ligaments. Contraction of ciliary bodies changes the shape of the lens to focus light to the back of the retina
Iris = thin contractile diaphragm with a central aperture (pupil) for the transmission of light. Sphincter and dilator papillae muscles control the pupil size
Describe the different segments and chambers within the eye
Anterior segment = anterior to the lens, contains aqueous humor.
Split into anterior chamber (between the cornea and iris) and the posterior chamber (between the iris and the lens)
Posterior segment = posterior to the lens, contains vitreous humor
What is the function of aqueous humor and where is it made/found?
Provides 02 and nutrients to the lens
Produced by the ciliary bodies and flows out via the trabecular meshwork
Found in the anterior segment
What is the function of vitreous humor and where is it found?
Jelly like substance, supports lens and holds retina in place
Found in the posterior segment