Topic 5 - The Eye Flashcards
What is the conjunctiva
Thin membrane lining the inside of the eyelids and covering the sclera
What is the function of the conjunctiva
Lubricates and protects tissues at the front of the eye, prevents foreign bodies entering the eye
What is the function of the sclera
Protects the eyeball against mechanical damage
What is the sclera
Tough outer layer that encloses the eye, except the front
What is the cornea
Transparent front part of the eye continuous with the sclera
What is the function of the cornea
Allows the passage of light while refracting it
What is the iris
The coloured part of the eye - it contains circular and radial muscles
What is the function of the iris
Controls the size of the pupil to adjust the amount of light entering the eye
What is the pupil
A gap within the iris - appears black
What is the function of the pupil
Allows light to enter the eye
What is the aqueous humour
Transparent watery fluid filling the front part of the eye
What is the function of the aqueous humour
Maintains the shape of the front chamber of the eye
What is the lens
Transparent and elastic Ovoid structure held in place behind the cornea
What is the function of the lens
Changes shape to adjust focusing of light onto the retina
What is the ciliary body
Structure which supports the lens and contains circular muscle
What is the function of the ciliary body
Contraction or relaxation of the circular muscle control the shape of the lens
What are suspensory ligaments
Strong ligaments which connect the ciliary body to the lens
What is the function of suspensory ligaments
Transfers tension in the all of the eyeball to the lens to make it thinner
What is the vitreous humour
Transparent, jelly-like material filling the rear part of the eyeball
What is the function of the vitreous humour
Maintains the shape of the rear part of the eyeball and supports the lens
What is the retina
Inner layer of the wall of the eyeball contains light-sensitive cells
What is the function of the retina
The light-sensitive cells initiate impulses in associated neurones when appropriately stimulated
What is the fovea
The region at the back of the retina that is rich in cones
What is the function of the fovea
A region with high visual activity that allows colour vision