47 Questions
What is the main component of the sclera?
Collagen
From which embryonic structure is the sclera derived?
Neural crest
What is the function of the pale sclera in humans and some other vertebrates?
Nonverbal communication
What does the sclera maintain the shape of?
The eyeball
What pH level is associated with alkali burns?
Above 11.5
What causes redness of the sclera due to eye irritation?
Conjunctivitis
Which condition causes a serious inflammatory disease of the sclera resulting in redness often progressing to purple?
Scleritis
What visual symptom is associated with jaundice?
Yellowing of the sclera
What causes the sclera to appear to have a blue tint in cases of osteogenesis imperfecta?
Underlying uveal tract
In severe cases of kidney failure and liver failure, what color may the sclera turn?
Black
What type of burns cause cellular tissue in the sclera to saponify?
Alkali burns
Which chemical exposure can cause alkali burns?
Ammonium hydroxide
What is the main composition of the sclera?
Type 1 collagen fibers
What is the thickness range of the sclera?
1mm to 0.3mm
What forms a circular structure called the sclerotic ring in many vertebrates?
Plates of cartilage or bone
What is believed to be the reason for the evolution of the human eye's distinctive visible sclera?
A useful communication tool due to our social nature
What provides exceptional protection to the sclera?
The bony eye socket
What is the main reason for the rare recovery of full vision and hemorrhaging after trauma to the sclera?
Blunt force or sharp object trauma
What protects the sclera from brief exposure to heat?
Eyelids and moist tissue layers
Why is the sclera highly resistant to injury from brief exposure to toxic chemicals?
Tears quickly wash away irritants
What poses the greatest acidic burn risk to the sclera?
Acids with a pH below 2.5
What makes the sclera opaque?
Irregularity of the Type I collagen fibers
What increases the efficacy of nonverbal communication by exposing the sclera of the human eye?
It makes it easier for one individual to identify where another individual is looking
What renders the inflamed eye bright red along with the vessels of the conjunctiva?
The sclera's blood vessels
What is the main function of the pale sclera in humans and some other vertebrates?
To facilitate nonverbal communication by making it easier to identify where another individual is looking
What is the composition of the sclera mainly made of?
Collagen and some crucial elastic fiber
What embryonic structure does the sclera originate from?
Neural crest
What is the main role of the sclera in maintaining the shape of the eyeball?
Offering resistance to internal and external forces
What causes the sclera to appear yellow or light green?
Jaundice
What is the cause of the blue tint in the sclera in cases of osteogenesis imperfecta?
Showing of the underlying uveal tract
What is the main reason for the rare recovery of full vision and hemorrhaging after trauma to the sclera?
High resistance to injury
What is the primary cause of redness of the sclera often progressing to purple in cases of scleritis?
Inflammatory disease
What is the visual symptom of jaundice in relation to the sclera?
Yellowing
What causes redness of the sclera due to eye irritation?
Conjunctivitis
What is the effect of exposure to chemicals with a pH above 11.5 on the sclera?
Saponification of cellular tissue
What is the cause of the blue tint in the sclera in cases of kidney failure and liver failure?
Showing of the underlying uveal tract
What is the main reason for the human eye's distinctive visible sclera?
To aid in nonverbal communication
What is the main composition of the sclera?
Type 1 collagen fibers
What renders the inflamed eye bright red along with the vessels of the conjunctiva?
Blood vessels on the surface of the sclera
What provides exceptional protection to the sclera?
Bony eye socket
What causes the sclera to appear to have a blue tint in cases of osteogenesis imperfecta?
Irregularity of the Type I collagen fibers
What is the reason for the rare recovery of full vision and hemorrhaging after trauma to the sclera?
Reinforcement with plates of cartilage or bone
What is the main reason for the high resistance of the sclera to injury from brief exposure to toxic chemicals?
Tears quickly wash away irritants
What poses the greatest acidic burn risk to the sclera?
Acids with a pH below 2.5
What causes redness of the sclera due to eye irritation?
Blood vessels on the surface
What forms a circular structure called the sclerotic ring in many vertebrates?
Reinforcement with plates of cartilage or bone
What is the reason for the opacity of the sclera?
Irregularity of the Type I collagen fibers
Study Notes
Anatomy and Function of the Sclera
- The sclera, the outer layer of the eye, is continuous with the dura mater at the optic disc and varies in thickness from 1mm to 0.3mm.
- It is mainly composed of dense connective tissue primarily made of type 1 collagen fibers and is continuous with the cornea.
- The sclera is reinforced with plates of cartilage or bone in many vertebrates, forming a circular structure called the sclerotic ring.
- The human eye's distinctive visible sclera is believed to have evolved as a useful communication tool due to our social nature, aiding in nonverbal communication.
- Dogs have also developed the ability to pick up visual cues from the eyes of humans, suggesting a form of communication unique to human-animal interaction.
- The bony eye socket provides exceptional protection to the sclera, but blunt force or sharp object trauma can cause rare recovery of full vision and hemorrhaging.
- The sclera is rarely damaged by brief exposure to heat due to the protection provided by the eyelids and moist tissue layers.
- The sclera is highly resistant to injury from brief exposure to toxic chemicals, as tears quickly wash away irritants, preventing further harm.
- Acids with a pH below 2.5 pose the greatest acidic burn risk, but even severe acid burns seldom result in the loss of the eye.
- The sclera is opaque due to the irregularity of the Type I collagen fibers, in contrast to the near-uniform thickness and parallel arrangement of corneal collagen.
- The exposed sclera of the human eye makes it easier for one individual to identify where another individual is looking, increasing the efficacy of nonverbal communication.
- The sclera's blood vessels are mainly on the surface, and along with the vessels of the conjunctiva, can render the inflamed eye bright red.
Anatomy and Function of the Sclera
- The sclera, the outer layer of the eye, is continuous with the dura mater at the optic disc and varies in thickness from 1mm to 0.3mm.
- It is mainly composed of dense connective tissue primarily made of type 1 collagen fibers and is continuous with the cornea.
- The sclera is reinforced with plates of cartilage or bone in many vertebrates, forming a circular structure called the sclerotic ring.
- The human eye's distinctive visible sclera is believed to have evolved as a useful communication tool due to our social nature, aiding in nonverbal communication.
- Dogs have also developed the ability to pick up visual cues from the eyes of humans, suggesting a form of communication unique to human-animal interaction.
- The bony eye socket provides exceptional protection to the sclera, but blunt force or sharp object trauma can cause rare recovery of full vision and hemorrhaging.
- The sclera is rarely damaged by brief exposure to heat due to the protection provided by the eyelids and moist tissue layers.
- The sclera is highly resistant to injury from brief exposure to toxic chemicals, as tears quickly wash away irritants, preventing further harm.
- Acids with a pH below 2.5 pose the greatest acidic burn risk, but even severe acid burns seldom result in the loss of the eye.
- The sclera is opaque due to the irregularity of the Type I collagen fibers, in contrast to the near-uniform thickness and parallel arrangement of corneal collagen.
- The exposed sclera of the human eye makes it easier for one individual to identify where another individual is looking, increasing the efficacy of nonverbal communication.
- The sclera's blood vessels are mainly on the surface, and along with the vessels of the conjunctiva, can render the inflamed eye bright red.
Test your knowledge of the anatomy and function of the sclera with this quiz. Explore the composition, protective features, and evolutionary significance of the outer layer of the eye, and learn about its role in communication and visual cues.
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