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June 20, 2013


Anatomy and Physiology of the Eye Glossary of Terms

The following are health and medical definitions of terms that appear in the Anatomy and Physiology of the Eye article.

Anatomy: The study of human or animal form, by observation or examination of the living be...

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Anterior: The front, as opposed to the posterior. The anterior surface of the heart is tow...

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Anterior chamber: The space in the eye that is behind the cornea and in front of the iris.

Aqueous humor: In medicine, humor refers to a fluid (or semifluid) substance. Thus, the aq...

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Bacteria: Single-celled microorganisms that can exist either as independent (free-living) ...

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Brain: The portion of the central nervous system that is located within the skull. It func...

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Central vision: A process in which millions of cells change light into nerve signals that ...

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Choroid: In the eye, a thin vascular layer between the sclera and the retina. The choroid ...

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Ciliary body: Part of the eye, the ciliary body is a circular structure just behind the ir...

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Conjunctiva: A thin, clear, moist membrane that coats the inner surfaces of the eyelids (p...

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Cornea: The clear front window of the eye, which transmits and focuses light into the eye....

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Drain: A device for removing fluid from a cavity or wound. A drain is typically a tube or ...

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Duct: A walled passageway, such as a lymph duct, that carries fluid from one place to anot...

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Eyelid: The lid or cover of the eye, a movable fold of skin and muscle that can be closed ...

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Flush: (1) A redness of the skin, typically over the cheeks or neck. A flush is usually ...

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Gland: A group of cells that secrete a substance for use in the body. For example, the thy...

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Glaucoma: A common eye condition in which the fluid pressure inside the eyes rises becaus...

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Humor: In medicine, a fluid or semifluid substance. For example, the aqueous humor is the ...

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Iris: The circular, colored curtain of the eye. The opening of the iris forms the pupil. T...

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Lacrimal: Pertaining to tears. For example, the lacrimal gland is a gland that secretes te...

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Lacrimal gland: A small almond-shaped structure that produces tears and is located just ab...

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Lens: The transparent structure inside the eye that focuses light rays onto the retina.

Macula: A macula is a small spot. A macula on the skin is a small flat spot while the macu...

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Muscle: Muscle is the tissue of the body which primarily functions as a source of power. T...

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Muscular: Having to do with the muscles. Also, endowed with above average muscle developme...

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Nerve: A bundle of fibers that uses electrical and chemical signals to transmit sensory an...

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Nose: The external midline projection from the face. The purpose of the nose is to warm, c...

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Optic: Having to do with vision.

Optic nerve: The optic nerve connects the eye to the brain. The optic nerve carries the...

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Optic nerve head: The circular area in the back of the inside of the eye where the optic n...

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Orbit: In medicine, the bony cavity in which the eyeball sits.

Orbital: In anatomy, pertaining to the orbit, the bony cavity that contains the eyeball.

Physiology: The study of how living organisms function, including such processes as nutrit...

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Posterior: The back or behind, as opposed to the anterior.

Posterior chamber: The space in the eye behind the iris and in front of the lens. (The iri...

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Pupil: The opening of the iris. The pupil may appear to open (dilate) and close (constrict...

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Radiate: To spread out from a central area. For example, sciatic pain may radiate outward ...

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Retina: The retina is the nerve layer that lines the back of the eye, senses light, and c...

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Sclera: The tough white outer coat over the eyeball that covers approximately the posterio...

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Skull: The skull is a collection of bones which encase the brain and give form to the hea...

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Temple: The area just behind and to the side of the forehead and the eye, above the side o...

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Vitreous: A clear, jelly-like substance that fills the middle of the eye. Also called the ...

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