Accessory visual structures
Encyclopedia
Accessory visual structures is a term used to collectively refer to the adnexa
of the eye
.
Included are the eyebrow
, eyelid
s, and lacrimal apparatus
.
One source defines "ocular adnexa" as the orbit
, conjunctiva
, and eyelid
s.
Adnexa
In anatomy, adnexa refers to the appendages of an organ. The term adnexa stems from a Latin word meaning appendages.More specifically, it can refer to:* Adnexa of eye * Adnexa of uterus...
of the eye
Human eye
The human eye is an organ which reacts to light for several purposes. As a conscious sense organ, the eye allows vision. Rod and cone cells in the retina allow conscious light perception and vision including color differentiation and the perception of depth...
.
Included are the eyebrow
Eyebrow
The eyebrow is an area of thick, delicate hairs above the eye that follows the shape of the lower margin of the brow ridges of some mammals. Their main function is to prevent sweat, water, and other debris from falling down into the eye socket, but they are also important to human communication and...
, eyelid
Eyelid
An eyelid is a thin fold of skin that covers and protects an eye. With the exception of the prepuce and the labia minora, it has the thinnest skin of the whole body. The levator palpebrae superioris muscle retracts the eyelid to "open" the eye. This can be either voluntarily or involuntarily...
s, and lacrimal apparatus
Lacrimal apparatus
The lacrimal apparatus is the physiologic system containing the orbital structures for tear production and drainage.It consists of:* the lacrimal gland, which secretes the tears, and its excretory ducts, which convey the fluid to the surface of the eye;...
.
One source defines "ocular adnexa" as the orbit
Orbit (anatomy)
In anatomy, the orbit is the cavity or socket of the skull in which the eye and its appendages are situated. "Orbit" can refer to the bony socket, or it can also be used to imply the contents...
, conjunctiva
Conjunctiva
The conjunctiva covers the sclera and lines the inside of the eyelids. It is composed of rare stratified columnar epithelium.-Function:...
, and eyelid
Eyelid
An eyelid is a thin fold of skin that covers and protects an eye. With the exception of the prepuce and the labia minora, it has the thinnest skin of the whole body. The levator palpebrae superioris muscle retracts the eyelid to "open" the eye. This can be either voluntarily or involuntarily...
s.