Eyes opt/i, opt/o, optic/o, opthalm/o

Receptor organs for the sense of sight.

Iris ir/I, ir/o, irid/o, irit/o

Controls the amount of light entering the eye.

Lens phac/o, phak/o

Focuses rays of light on the retina.

Retina retin/o

Converts light rays into electrical impulses to transmit to the brain.

Lacrimal apparatus dacryocyst/o, lacrim/o

Accessory structure of the eyes that produce, store, and remove tears.

Ears acous/o, acoust/o, audi/o, audit/o, ot/o

Contains receptors for the sense of hearing as well as balance/equilibrium.

Outer ear pinn/i

Transmits sound waves to the middle ear.

Middle ear myring/o, tympan/o

Transmits sound waves to the inner ear.

Inner ear labyrinth/o

Receives sound vibrations and transmits them to the brain; also contains receptors for equilibrium and balance.

Fibrous Layer

This outermost layer is protective for the eye and serves as the attachment site for muscles oblique and rectus muscles) which move the eye. This fibrous layer includes the

Sclera Fibrous Layer

the whites of the eye which is irregularly arrange collagen providing protection

Cornea Fibrous Layer

continuous with the sclera but clear to allow light to pass through; it has no blood supply (avascular)

Iris Vascular Layer

pigmented layer which surrounds the pupil and contains muscle which can control light passing through

Ciliary body Vascular Layer

ring of smooth muscle that surrounds lens and can control its shape for focusing of light

Choroid Vascular Layer

inner pigmented layer which has a rich blood supply

Retina Neural Layer

contains photoreceptors (rods and cones) which are the receptors for light. The location with the highest number of photoreceptors and thus sharpest point of vision is the macula lutea with the fovea centralis.

Optic nerve Neural Layer

exits the neural layer at the optic disk (blind spot) and carries information about vision to the brain

Eyelids, eyebrows and eyelashes

Help protect the eyeball from foreign material, excessive light, and injuries

Conjunctiva

Transparent mucous membrane; protects exposed eyeball surface

Lacrimal apparatus

contains glands which secrete tears into a canal to drain into the nasolacrimal duct

Accommodation

process by which eye makes adjustments for seeing objects near and far such as changing the shape of the lens

Convergence

Simultaneous inward movement of the eyes toward each other to maintain singular binocular vision as an objects comes nearer

Visual acuity

the ability to distinguish object details and shape at a distance

Refraction

the ability of the lens to bend light rays so they focus back on photoreceptors in the retina

Opthalmologist

physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating the full spectrum of diseases and disorders of the eyes, from vision correction to eye surgery

Optometrist

holds a doctor of optometry degree and provides primary eye car, including diagnosing eye diseases and conditions and measuring the accuracy of vision to determine whether corrective lenses are needed

Optician

a health care practitioner who designs, fits and dispenses lens for vision correction

Conjunctivitis

pinkeye

Xerophthalmia (dry eye)

drying of eye surfaces, including the conjunctiva

Uvea, cornea, and sclera

Cataract

loss of transparency of the lens

Diabetic retinopathy

damage to the retina; complication of uncontrolled diabetes

Photopsia

flashes of light

Retinal detachment (detached retina or retinal tears)

separation of some or all of the light-sensitive retina from the choroid

Retinoblastoma

cancer caused by the abnormal growth of retinal cells

Glaucoma- Group of diseases

increased intraocular pressure; causes damage to the retinal nerve fibers and the optic nerve

Macular degeneration (MD)- Gradually progressive condition

macula at the center of the retina is damaged\

Diplopia (double vision)

perception of two images of a single object

Color blindness

inability to perceive certain colors

Photophobia

excessive sensitivity to light

Presbyopia

common changes in the eyes that occur with aging

Strabismus

also known as crossed eyes; misalignment of the eyes, causing one eye to deviate inward (esotropia) toward the nose, or outward (exotropia), while the other eye remains focused.

Astigmatism

eye does not focus properly; uneven curvatures of the cornea

Hyperopia (farsightedness)

light rays focus beyond the retina

Myopia (nearsightedness)

light rays focus in front of the retina

The middle ear

contains the three smallest bones in the body, termed the auditory ossicles. These are named the malleus, incus, and stapes. As sound waves arrive to the middle ear, it vibrates the tympanic membrane (eardrum) which then moves the ossicles, sort of like wind chimes. This is how sound is conducted from outer ear to inner ear. In addition, we find the eustachian tube (pharyngotympanic) which helps equalize pressure from the outside world to the inner ear.

The inner ear

contains the snail shaped cochlea. The sound waves travel from the middle ear to the inner ear through the oval window and into the cochlea. This distortion of the cochlea triggers the cochlear nerve transmitting the sensation of sound to the brain. The inner ear also contains fluid-filled areas which sense changes in equilibrium and balance. These areas are termed the semicircular canals and vestibule.

Audiologist

specializes in the measurement of hearing function and in the rehabilitation of persons with hearing impairments

Otolaryngologist

ear, nose and throat physician

Speech-language pathologist

can be involved in numerous medical areas including audiology; these practitioners help patients who have problems related to swallowing, speech and communication disorders

Otalgia (earache)

pain in the ear

Otomycosis

fungal infection

Otopyorrhea

flow of pus from the ear

Otorrhea

any discharge from the ear

Otitis media

inflammation of the middle ear

Otosclerosis

ankylosis of the bones of the middle ear

Vertigo

sense of whirling, dizziness, and loss of balance

Ménière’s disease

Relatively rare chronic disorder wherein the amount of fluid in the inner ear increases intermittently

Tinnitus

Ringing, buzzing, or roaring sound in one or both ears

Acoustic neuroma

Benign brain tumor adjacent to the cranial nerve

Deafness

complete or partial loss of hearing

Conductive hearing loss

sound waves prevented from passing to the inner ear

Sensorineural hearing loss (nerve deafness)

damaged nerve or hair cells in the ear

Sensation

contains numerous sensory receptors that detect touch, heat, cold and pain

Heat regulation

can sweat and dilate blood vessels near the surface to release heat

Absorption

provides protection from a number of environmental hazards including absorption of ultraviolet light (UV) before it damages deeper tissues

Protection

protects the body from mechanical trauma, provides a barrier to pathogens and can secrete antimicrobial substances

Excretion/secretion

makes a small, but significant contribution to the excretion of metabolic waste

Synthesis

melanin, keratin, VitaminD

Skin

Related Combining Forms: cutane/o, dermato/o, derm/o

Intact skin is the first line of defense for the immune system. It also waterproofs the body and provides the major receptors for sensation.

Sebaceous glands

Related Combining Forms: seb/o

Secrete sebum (oil) to lubricate the skin and prevent bacterial growth.

Sweat glands

Related Combining Forms: hidr/o

Secrete sweat to regulate body temperature and water content and excrete some metabolic waste.

Hair

Related Combining Forms: pil/i, pil/o

Aids in controlling the loss of body heat.

Nails

Related Combining Forms: onchy/o, ungu/o

Protects the dorsal surface of the last bone of each finger and toe.

Epidermis Outermost layer

Contains squamous epithelial tissue for protection against abrasion

Has keratin, a tough and water-repellent protein

Contains melanocytes, cells that produce the pigment melanin which gives skin color and also protects cells against UV damage

Contains no blood supply and thus continually sheds at surface

Dermis Beneath epidermis

Made of connective tissue

Contains blood vessels which nourish the layers above, nerves for sensation, and, sweat glands, sebaceous glands (oil), hair roots, and lymph vessels

Hypodermis

Also known as the subcutaneous layers

Mostly composed of adipose tissue (fat)

Allows for independent movement of skin but stabilization to underlying tissues

Rich blood supply

Sweat glands

Apocrine glands are found at hair follicles, mostly near armpits and the groin and release an odorous liquid; Eccrine glands are watery glands found all over the body for thermoregulation, most numerous on the hands and feet

Sebaceous glands

Release an oil (sebum) which helps lubricate the skin and as slightly acidic to discourage bacterial growth

Nails

protective keratin plates which cover the fingers and toes

Hair

protective rod-like structures made of dead cells and hard keratin protein; color is determined by melanin

Arrector pili muscle

Tiny muscle fibers attached to the hair follicles that cause the hair to stand erect; Contract in response to cold or fright

Dermatologist

Physician specializing in diagnosing and treating disorders of the skin

Plastic surgeon

Physician specializing in surgical restoration and reconstruction of body structures

Cosmetic surgeons

Plastic surgeons; Perform operations that are usually done for aesthetic rather than medical reasons such as breast augmentation, liposuction, and facelifts

Comedo

noninfected lesion that are referred to as whiteheads (closed) or blackheads (open)

Epidermoid cyst (sebaceous cyst)

closed sac found just under the skin; Contain yellow, fatty material

Anhidrosis (hypohidrosis)

lacking sweat in response to heat

Trichomycosis axillaris

Superficial bacterial infection of the hair shafts

Alopecia areata

autoimmune disorder that attacks the hair follicles

Onychocryptosis

ingrown toenai

Albinism

genetic condition; deficiency or absence of pigment

Chloasma

melasma or the mask of pregnancy

Vitiligo

skin condition resulting from the destruction of melanocytes

Contusion

injury to tissues without breaking the skin; accumulation of blood within the skin

Ecchymosis (bruise)

large, irregular area of purplish discoloration

Hematoma

usually caused by an injury; swelling of clotted blood trapped in the tissues; often named for the area where it occurs (example: subungual hematoma)

Macule (macula)

discolored flat spot; less than 1 cm in diameter, such as a freckle

Nodule

solid, raised skin lesion

Papule

small, raised red lesion

Plaque

scaly, solid raised area

Verrucae (warts)

small, hard skin lesions

A wheal (welt)

small bump that itches; can appear as urticaria (hives)

Abscess

closed pocket containing pus; caused by a bacterial infection

Purulent

producing or containing pus

Cyst

abnormal sac containing gas, fluid, or a semisolid material

Pustule (pimple)

small, circumscribed lesion containing pus

Vesicle

small blister containing watery fluid; less than 0.5 cm in diameter

Bulla

large blister; usually more than 0.5 cm in diameter

Abrasion

superficial layers of skin are scraped or rubbed away

Fissure

groove or crack-like break in the skin

Laceration

torn or jagged wound or an accidental cut wound

Ulcer

open lesion resulting in tissue loss around the edges

Eczema (atopic dermatitis)

result of a malfunction of the body’s immune system

Contact dermatitis (CD)

localized rash; caused by repeated contact with an irritant

Psoriasis (Ps)

Red papules covered with silvery scales

Urticaria (hives)

Itchy wheals caused by an allergic reaction

Xeroderma (xerosis)

excessively dry skin

Gangrene

death of tissue

Impetigo

highly contagious bacterial skin infection

Tinea (ringworm)

fungal infection

Scabies

infestation of itch mites-Cause small, itchy bumps and blisters;Burrow into the top layer of human skin to lay their eggs

Callus

thickening of part of the skin

Keloid

abnormally raised or thickened scar

Lipoma

benign, slow-growing fatty tumor

Malignant melanoma (MM)

Known as melanoma; the most serious type of skin cancer; occurs in the melanocytes

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

Malignant tumor of the basal cell layer of the epidermis

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

Begin as skin lesions; Appear to be sores that will not heal; May have a crusted look

blephar/o

eyelid

-cusis

hearing

irid/o

iris, colored part of eye

kerat/o

horny, hard, cornea

myring/o

tympanic membrane, eardrum

ophthalm/o

eye, vision

-opia

vision condition

opt/o

eye, vision

ot/o

ear, hearing

phak/o

lens of eye

presby/o

old age

retin/o

retina (of the eye), net

scler/o

sclera (white of the eye), hard

trop/o

to turn, change

tympan/o

tympanic membrane, eardrum

cry/o

cold

cutane/o

skin

derm/o, dermat/o

skin

hidr/o

sweat

hirsut/o

hairy, rough

lip/o

fat, lipid

melan/o

black, dark

myc/o

fungus

onych/o

fingernail or toenail

pil/i, pil/o

hair

py/o

pus

rhytid/o

wrinkle

seb/o

sebum

urtic/o

nettle, rash, hives

xer/o

dry

actinic keratosis ack-TIN-ick kerr-ah-TOH-sis

A potentially pre-cancerous skin lesion caused by excessive exposure to the sun.

adnexa ad-NECK-sah

The appendiges, or accessory structures, of an organ.

albinism AL-bih-niz-um

An inherited deficiency, or absence of pigment in the skin, hair, or irises of the eyes.

alopecia al-oh-PEE-shee-ah

Also known as baldness.

The partial or complete loss of hair that occurs most commonly on the scalp.

amblyopia am-blee-OH-pee-ah

?

ametropia am-eh-TROH-pee-ah

Any error of refraction in which images do not focus properly on the retina.

anisocoria an-ih-so-KOH-ree-ah

A condition in which the pupils are unequal in size.

astigmatism ah-STIG-mah-tizm

A condition in which the eye does not focus properly because of uneven curvatures of the cornea.

audiometry aw-dee-OM-eh-tree

?

blepharoplasty BLEF-ah-roh-plas-tee

Also known as a lid lift.

The surgical reduction of the upper and lower eye lids by removing excess fat, skin, and muscle.

bulla BULL-ah

A large blister that is usually more than 1/2 cm in diameter.

capillary hemangioma KAP-uh-ler-ee hee-man-jee-OH-mah

?

carbuncle KAR-bung-kul

A cluster of connected furuncles.

cataract KAT-ah-rakt

The loss of transparency of the lens of the eye.

cellulitis sell-you-LYE-tis

An acute, rapidly spreading infection within the connective tissue that is characterized by malaise, swelling, warmth, and red streaks.

chalazion kah-LAY-zee-on

A localized swelling inside the eyelid resulting from obstruction of one of the sebaceous glands.

cicatrix sick-AY-tricks

A normal scar resulting from the healing of a wound.

cochlear implant KOCK-lee-ar

An electronic device implanted behind the ear to restore certain hearing losses.

comedo KOM-eh-doh

A non-infected lesion formed by the build-up of sebum and keratin in a hair follicle.

conjunctivitis kon-junk-tih-VYE-tis

Also known as pink eye.

An inflammation of the conjunctiva that is usually caused by an infection or allergy.

dacryoadenitis dack-ree-oh-ad-eh-NIGH-tis

An inflammation of the lacrimal gland that can be a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection.

debridement dah-BREED-ment

The removal of dirt, foreign objects, damaged tissue, and cellular debris from a wound to prevent infection and promote healing.

diaphoresis dye-ah-foh-REE-sis

Profuse sweating.

diplopia dih-PLOH-pee-ah

Also known as double vision.

The perception of two images of a single object.

dysplastic nevi dis-PLAS-tick NEE-vye

Atypical moles that may develop into skin cancer.

ecchymosis eck-ih-MOH-sis

A bruise that is larger than 10mm in diameter.

ectropion eck-TROH-pee-on

The turning outward of the edge of an eyelid.

eczema ECK-zeh-mah

A form of dermatitis that is usually associated with severe itching, redness, and oozing.

emmetropia em-eh-TROH-pee-ah

The normal relationship between the refractive power of the eye, and the shape of the eye, that enables light rays to focus correctly on the retina.

entropion en-TROH-pee-on

The turning inward of the edge of an eyelid.

erythema er-ih-THEE-mah

Redness of the skin due to capillary dilation.

erythroderma eh-rith-roh-DER-mah

Abnormal redness of the entire skin surface.

esotropia es-oh-TROH-pee-ah

Also known as cross-eyes.

Strabismus, characterized by an inward deviation of one or both eyes.

exanthem eck-ZAN-thum

?

exfoliative dermatitis ecks-FOH-lee-ay-tiv der-mah-TYE-tis

A condition in which there is widespread scaling of the skin, often with peritis, arithro-derma, and hairloss.

exotropia eck-soh-TROH-pee-ah

Also known as wall-eye.

Is strabismus characterized by outward deviation of one eye relative to another.

fluorescein angiography flew-oh-RES-ee- in an-jee-OG-rah-fee

A radiographic study of the blood vessels and retina following the intravenous injection of a fluorescein di-contrast medium.

folliculitis foh-lick-you-LYE-tis

An inflammation of the hair-foliccles that is especially common on the limbs and on the beard area on men.

furuncles FYOU-rung-kulz

Also known as boils.

Large swollen areas of stapholococcyl infections around hair follicles or sebaceous glands.

glaucoma glaw-KOH-mah

A group of diseases characterized by increased introcular pressure that causes damage to the retinal nerve fibers, and to the optic nerve.

hematoma hee-mah-TOH-mah

A swelling of clotted blood trapped in the tissues.

hemianopia hem-ee-ah-NOH-pee-ah

Blindness in one-half of the visual field.

hirsutism HER-soot-izm

The presence of excessive body and facial hair in women that usually occurs in a male pattern.

hordeolum hor-DEE-oh-lum

A pus filled lesion on the eyelid, resulting from an infection of a sebaceous gland.

hyperopia high-per-OH-pee-ah

Also known as far-sigtedness.

A defect in which light-rays focus beyond the retina.

ichthyosis ick-thee-OH-sis

A group of hereditary disorders characterized by dry, scaley, or thickened skin.

impetigo im-peh-TYE-goh

A highly contagious bacteria skin infection, characterized by isolated pustules that become crusted and rupture.

infectious myringitis mir-in-JIGH-tis

A contagious inflammation associated with a middle ear infection that causes painful blisters on the ear drum.

iritis eye-RYE-tis

An inflammation of the iris.

keloid KEE-loid

An abnormally raised or thickened scar, that expands beyond the boundaries of the original incision.

keratitis ker-ah-TYE-tis

An inflammation of the cornea.

keratosis kerr-ah-TOH-sis

?

koilonychia koy-loh-NICK-ee-ah

A malfomation of the nails in which the outer surface is scooped out like the bowl of a spoon.

laser trabeculoplasty trah-BECK-you-loh-plas-tee

A procedure that is performed to treat open-angle glaucoma.

lipedema lip-eh-DEE-mah

A chronic abnormal condition in women that is characterized by an accumulation of fat and fluid in the tissues just under the skin of the hips and legs.

lipoma lih-POH-mah

A benign fatty deposit under the skin that causes a bump.

macule MACK-youl

A discolored flat spot, such as a freckle, that is less than 1 cm in diameter.

malignant melanoma mel-ah-NOH-mah

A type of skin cancer that occurs in the melanocytes.

mastoidectomy mas-toy-DECK-toh-mee

The surgical removal of mastoid cells. Performed to treat an infection in this area that cannot be controlled by antibiotics.

melasma muh-LAZ-mah

?

mydriasis mih-DRY-ah-sis

?

myopia my-OH-pee-ah

Also known as nearsigtedness.

A defect in which light rays focus in front of the retina.

myringotomy mir-in-GOT-oh-mee

The surgical incision of the eardrum to create an opening for the placement of timpanosity tubes.

necrotizing fasciitis NECK-roh-tie-zing fas-ee-EYE-tis

Also known as flesh eating bacteria.

An infection of tissues caused by group A strepplococchi, that can destroy body tissue and may be fatal.

nyctalopia nick-tah-LOH-pee-ah

Also known as night blindness.

A condition in which an individual with normal day time vision has difficulty seeing at night.

nystagmus nis-TAG-mus

An involuntary constant rhythmic movement of the eyeball.

onychocryptosis on-ih-koh-krip-TOH-sis

An ingrown toenail.

onychomycosis on-ih-koh-my-KOH-sis

A fungal infection of a fingernail or toenail.

ophthalmoscopy ahf-thal-MOS-koh-pee

The visual examination of the fundus of the eye with an ophthalmoscope.

optometrist op-TOM-eh-trist

Specializes in measureing the accuracy of vision to determine whether corrective lenses are needed.

otitis media oh-TYE-tis MEE-dee-ah

An inflammation of the middle ear.

otomycosis oh-toh-my-KOH-sis

A fungal infection of the external auditory canal.

otopyorrhea oh-toh-pye-oh-REE-ah

The flow of pus from the ear.

otorrhea oh-toh-REE-ah

?

otosclerosis oh-toh-skleh-ROH-sis

Anklyosis of the bones of the middle ear resulting in a conductive hearing loss.

papilledema pap-ill-eh-DEE-mah

The swelling of the optic nerve at the point of enterance into the eye through the optic disc.

papilloma pap-ih-LOH-mah

A benign, superficial, wart-like growth, on the epithelial tissue, or elsewhere in the body, such as the bladder.

papule PAP-youl

A small, raised, red lesion that is less than 1/2 cm in diameter.

paronychia par-oh-NICK-ee-ah

An acute or chronic infection of the skin fold around a nail.

pediculosis pee-dick-you-LOH-sis

An infestation with lice.

periorbital edema pehr-ee-OR-bih-tal eh-DEE-mah

The swelling surrounding the eye or eyes.

petechiae peh-TEE-kee-eye

Small pinpoint hemmorages that are less than 2 mm in diameter.

photophobia foh-toh-FOH-bee-ah

?

pneumatic retinopexy RET-ih-noh-peck-see

?

presbycusis pres-beh-KOO-sis

The gradual loss of sensory neural hearing that occurs as the body ages.

presbyopia pres-bee-OH-pee-ah

Describes the common changes in the eye that occur with aging.

pressure ulcer preh-shr uhl-sr

?

pruritus proo-RYE-tus

Itching associated with most forms of dermatitis.

psoriasis soh-RYE-uh-sis

A skin disorder characaterized by flare-ups in which red paiullies covered with silvery scales occur the elbows, knees, back or buttucks.

ptosis TOH-sis

?

purpura PUR-pew-rah

A condition that causes sponaneous bruises, that are 2 to 10 mm in diameter.

purulent PYOU-roo-lent

Producing or containing pus.

radial keratotomy ker-ah-TOT-oh-mee

A surgical procedure to correct myopia by making incisions partially through the cornea to cause it to flatten.

rhytidectomy rit-ih-DECK-toh-mee

Also known as a face lift.

The surgical removal of excess skin and fat for the elimination of wrinkles.

rosacea roh-ZAY-shee-ah

A chronic condition of unknown causes, that produces redness, tiny pimples, and broken blood vessels.

scabies SKAY-beez

A skin infection caused by an infestation with the itch-mite.

scleritis skleh-RYE-tis

An inflammation of the sclera.

scleroderma sklehr-oh-DER-mah

An autoimmune disorder in which the connective tissues become thickened and hardened.

seborrheic dermatitis seb-oh-REE-ick der-mah-TYE-tis

?

sensorineural hearing loss sen-suh-ree-NOOR-al

?

squamous cell carcinoma SKWAY-mus

Originates as a maligment tumor of the thin, scalely, squamous cells of the epithelium. However, it can quickly spread to other body systems.

stapedectomy stay-peh-DECK-toh-mee

The surgical replacement of part of the stapes bons, and its replacement with a metal or plastic prosthesis.

strabismus strah-BIZ-mus

A disorder in which the eyes point in different directions, or are not aligned correctly.

tarsorrhaphy tahr-SOR-ah-fee

The partial or complete suturing together of the upper and lower eyelids.

tinea TIN-ee-ah

Also known as ringworm.

A fungal infection that can grown on the skin, hair, or nails.

tinnitus tih-NIGH-tus

A rinning, buzzing, or roaring sound in one or both ears.

tonometry toh-NOM-eh-tree

The measurement of intra-ocular pressure.

tympanometry tim-pah-NOM-eh-tree

The measurement of acoustical energy absorbed or reflected by the middle ear.

This tube is used to detect fluid build-up in the middie ear, or an eustacean tube obstruction.

urticaria ur-tih-KARE-ee-ah

Also known as hives.

Welts caused by an allergic reaction.

verrucae veh-ROO-kee

Also known as warts.

Small, hard, skin lesion caused by the human papilloma virus.

vertigo VER-tih-go

A sense of whirling, diziness, and the loss of balance that is often combined with nausea and vomitting.

vitiligo vit-ih-LYE-goh

An autoimmune disorder that is characterized by a loss of melanin, resulting in white-ish areas of skin usually on the face and hands.

vitrectomy vih-TRECK-toh-mee

The removal of the vitrious fluid of the posterior chamber of the eye, and its replacement with a clear solution.

xeroderma zee-roh-DER-mah

Excessivly dry skin.

xerophthalmia zeer-ahf-THAL-mee-ah

The drying of the surfaces of the eye including the conjunctiva.