Special Senses in Human Anatomy and Physiology

Study Notes

Eyelid and Tear System

The tarsal glands associated with the eyelid edges produce a special type of lipid that helps to prevent the evaporation of tears.
The ducts of the ciliary glands open onto the eyelid edges.

Conjunctiva and Inflammation

The conjunctiva is a thin, transparent mucous membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids, and its function is to protect the eye.
Inflammation of the conjunctiva leads to a condition known as conjunctivitis.

Lacrimal Apparatus

The lacrimal glands are located under the eyebrow bone and produce tears that drain into the eyes through ducts.
Tears contain lysozyme, an enzyme that helps to cleanse and protect the eye surface by breaking down bacterial cell walls.
The function of the lacrimal apparatus is to produce, distribute, and drain tears from the eyes.
Tears finally empty into the nasal cavity through the nasolacrimal duct.

Lacrimal Secretion and Senses

When lacrimal secretion increases substantially, it leads to tear overflow and watery eyes.
The sense of equilibrium, also known as balance, is NOT considered one of the traditional five senses.
The receptors for the sense of equilibrium are housed in the inner ear.
The sense of vision has the highest percentage of sensory receptors in the body.
The optic tracts carrying information from the eyes to the brain reside in the cranial nerves.

Special Senses

Special sense receptors are specialized to detect specific types of stimuli, such as light, sound, or chemicals.
In contrast to general receptors, special sense receptors are highly specific and sensitive to specific stimuli.
Vision primarily focuses on detecting light and color in the environment.

Description

Explore the topic of special senses in human anatomy and physiology, including touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing. Understand how these senses keep us in touch with the external world and learn about the receptors involved.