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Anatomy & Physiology

Anatomy of the Eyes

Explore the structure and function of the eye, including the eyelid, orbit, and lacrimal system. These resources provide foundational knowledge for students in health sciences, nursing, and biology.

Visual Learners

Visual learners thrive when information is presented in a way that they can see and interpret spatially. If you find that diagrams, illustrations, videos, and color-coded notes help you understand complex topics, this section is for you. The anatomy of the eye is highly visual—its intricate structures and spatial relationships are best appreciated through high-quality images and interactive models. Here, you’ll find resources that allow you to explore the eye in 3D, view labeled diagrams, and watch animations that bring ocular anatomy to life.

Digital Tools:

  • Gale Interactive: Human Anatomy
    Explore 3D models of the eye and surrounding structures.

  • Films on Demand
    Search for “eye anatomy” to find educational videos.

  • Netter Images
    A comprehensive collection of medical illustrations.
     

Text-Based Learners

If you prefer reading detailed explanations and writing things down to reinforce your learning, you’re likely a text-based learner. This section is tailored for those who absorb information best through written content—whether it’s textbooks, articles, or structured outlines. The resources here include comprehensive print and digital texts that explain the anatomy and physiology of the eye in depth. These materials are ideal for note-taking, outlining, and building a strong conceptual foundation for exams or clinical practice.

Interactive Learners

Interactive learners understand best by doing. If you enjoy hands-on activities, simulations, or testing your knowledge through quizzes and games, this section is designed for you. The eye is a dynamic organ, and exploring it through virtual dissections, 3D models, and interactive tools can make learning more engaging and memorable. These resources encourage active participation, helping you connect theory to practice through exploration and experimentation.

Try This!

Put your knowledge into action with these interactive and practical exercises. These activities are designed to reinforce your understanding of ocular anatomy through exploration, comparison, and self-assessment.

Label the Eye

Download a blank diagram of the eye from Get Body Smart or your textbook. Then:

  • Label key structures: cornea, iris, lens, retina, optic nerve, and more.
  • Color-code the diagram to distinguish between anterior and posterior segments.
  • Bonus: Create flashcards for each structure with its function and clinical relevance.
Compare Imaging and Anatomy

Use the Atlas of Orbital Imaging (available through the Br. Edmond Drouin Library) to:

  • View CT and MRI scans of the orbit.
  • Match anatomical structures in the scans with labeled diagrams from Anatomy of the Eye and Orbit.
  • Try identifying the optic nerve, extraocular muscles, and lacrimal gland in different imaging planes.
Explore a Virtual Eye

Log into Gale Interactive: Human Anatomy and:

  • Navigate to the eye model.
  • Rotate and dissect layers to explore the cornea, lens, retina, and optic nerve.
  • Use the quiz feature to test your ability to identify structures.
Create a Study Set

Using content from Anatomy of the Eyelid, Orbit, and Lacrimal System:

  • Build a set of digital flashcards using your favorite online flashcard tool.
  • Include terms, definitions, and clinical notes (e.g., “What is the function of the lacrimal gland?”).
  • Share your set with classmates or use it for group study.
Clinical Case Challenge

Read a case study involving an eye condition (e.g., orbital cellulitis or glaucoma) from a textbook or database like CINAHL or MEDLINE. Then:

  • Identify the affected anatomical structures.
  • Explain the symptoms based on the anatomy involved.
  • Discuss possible diagnostic imaging and treatment options.