NAME:____________________________________________ Points Earned:___________

Section: __________________________________________ Date: ___________________

Chapter IX
TITLE: SPECIAL SENSES 1: SENSE OF VISION AND OLFACTION
The sense organs are the means by which human being, and for that matter living
beings, keep in contact with the environment. They receive the stimuli which are sent to the
brain for interpretation after which the signals are sent back to the receptors to effect
appropriate action.
Anatomy and Physiology of the Eye
The sense organ for vision is the eye. Its structures are classified into two parts,
external and internal.
A. External and Accessory structures of the Eye
Accessory structures of the eye either protect the eyeball or enable eye movement.
1. Orbit. Each eyeball is positioned in a bony depression in the skull called the orbit\
2. Eyebrows
3. Eyelids and eyelashes
4. Conjunctiva. It is a thin mucus-secreting epithelial membrane that lines the interior
surface of each eyelid and the exposed anterior surface of the eyeball.
5. Extrinsic ocular muscles. Six extrinsic eye muscles connect the eyeball to the
orbital cavity and provide fine motor control for the eyeballs. These are the lateral
medial, superior and inferior rectus muscles and superior and inferior oblique
muscles
6. Lacrimal apparatus, Lacrimal gland located in the depression of the frontal bone
at the upper and outer angle of the orbit. This gland secretes a lacrimal fluid which
flows over, washes, lubricates the surface of the eye and protects it from infection
and irritation.
B. Internal Structure of the Eye
The eyeball has three tunics namely the outer or fibrous, middle or vascular
pigmented and an inner or nervous tunics.
1. Fibrous tunics
The outer fibrous tunic consists of avascular connective tissue
2. Middle or Vascular Tunic
This layer contains the main arteries and veins of the eyeball. Also known as the
uveal tract, the middle consists of the choroid, iris and ciliary body
2.1 choroid. The choroid is dark brown, absorbing light and reducing reflection
within the chamber of the eyeball that would otherwise blur images.
2.2 Iris. The iris is the colored portion of the eye that opens and closes to control
the size of its circular opening, the pupil.
2.3 Ciliary Body. It lies between the iris and the choroids. The ciliary processes
that extend from the ciliary body secrete aqueous humor, the fluid that fills the
forward chamber of the eye

Pupil. The pigmented iris has a rounded opening through which light passes. It
regulates the amount of light entering the eye so that one can see clearly as possible in the
available light.
Lens. The lens of the eye consists of tightly packed cells arranged in successive
layers and filled with transparent proteins called crystallins. The lens divides the interior of
the eyeball into two cavities. The anterior and posterior cavities.
Flow of Aqueous Humor
 Aqueous fluid in the ciiiary body behind the iris through the pupillary space into the
aqueous chamber at the front of the eye. From the front (anterior chamber), fluid then travels
into the angle structures and drains from the eye, passing through a filter known as
trabecular meshwork and then through a tiny channel in the sclera called the canal of
Schlemm .
3. Inner or Nervous
This layer contains the retina which has photoreceptors mainly called the cones and
rods.
Retina. It consists of an outer pigmented epithelium covered by nervous tissue on the
inside. The dark color of the pigmented epithelium absorbs light and stores vitamin A used by
photoreceptor cells in the neural layer. There are two kinds of photoreceptors in the retina:
the cones and the rods.
Cones are photoreceptors that respond to bright light and color
Rods are photoreceptor cells that re more sensitive to light and more numerous than
cones. As a result, rods provide vision in dim light
Image formation
When light reflected from an object enters the eye, the following processes occur:
1. Light refraction
2. lens accommodation
3. Pupil constriction
4. Eyeball convergence

C. Physiology of Vision
Light rays-> cornea-> Anterior chamber-> pupil lens vitreous humor->Retina->Optic
tract->
Fibers pass through the optic radiation to the visual centers-> occipital lobe of the
cortex
Anatomy and Physiology of the Nose
Structure of the Nose
The nose is the organ of smell located in the middle of the face. The internal p[art of
the nose lies above the roof of the mouth. The nose consists of:
a. external meatus- triangular shaped projection in the center of the face
b. external nostril- two chambers divided by a septum
c. septum- made up primarily of cartilage and bone covered by mucous membranes.
The cartilage also gives shape and support to the outer part of the nose.
d. Nasal passages- passages that are lined with mucous membranes and tiny
hairs(cilia) that help to filter the air.
e. Sinuses- four pairs of air-filled cavities, also lined with mucous membranes

Receptors for smell are located in the olfactory epithelium located in the roof of the
nasal cavity. The cilia or olfactory hairs, initiate an action potential when they react with a
molecule from an inhaled vapor. However, molecules of the vapor must first dissolve in the
mucus that covers the cilia before they can be detected. The action potential is transmitted
along the axons of the olfactory receptor cells (which form the olfactory nerves) to the
olfactory bulbs, where they synapse with sensory neurons in the olfactory tract.
Physiology of Olfaction
To arouse 0the sensation, a substance must first be in a gaseous state then go into
solution. The surface of the olfactory membrane contains the Bowman’s glands which
secrete substances to facilitate the solution of the membranes. These stimulate the olfactory
receivers sending nerve (first cranial nerve) and the olfactory centers in the brain.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Discuss the receptors and processes involved in the transfer of sensation.
2. Identify the parts of each special sense and their functions on how the central nervous
system processes information related to its purpose

Sense of Vision
Activities
A. Label the parts of the external and accessory structures of the eye. Write your answers on
the box provided.
Answer box

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6. B. Label the internal structures of the eye. Write your answers
7. on the box provided.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

Answer box

1. 2. 3.
4. 5. 6.
7. 8. 9.
10. 11. 12.
13.
C. Trace and discuss the visual pathway as shown in the image below. Write your answers
on the box provided.
Answer box

1.
2.

3.

4.
5.
6.

D. Visual acuity test

Equipment:
Snellen Chart
Cardboard (3 X 5 in size)
1. Hang the Snellen chart on a well illuminated wall at eye level
2. Have the partner stand 20 feet from the chart, gently cover one eye with the
cardboard. Starting from the top, read each row from left to right as far down as you
can still make out the letters; Note the last line on which the partner could correctly
identify every letter.
3. Record the result using the fraction indicated in line with the row of letters which the
partner can read accurately located at the sides of the Snellen chart.
4. Do the same test on the opposite eye, and then record result.
5. Have the partner read with both eyes open, and record result.
6. If the partner is wearing corrective lens, record result also with corrective lens on.

E. Photopupillary Reflex
Equipment: Penlight, Card board( 3x5 in)
Preparation: Make sure to have a well-lit room.
Procedure:
1. Ask your partner to sit in front of you and instruct to close his/her eyes for at least 2
minutes
 2. Position the cardboard at the midline between the two eyes.
3. Position the penlight on the lateral aspect of the eye about 6 inches away from the
eye and bring it from lateral to midline passing through the eye (Note do not direct it
to the eye for extended period of time just allow it to pass for about 1-2 seconds then
remove).
4. While the eye is illuminated observe the change in the pupil and record result
5. Do the same with the opposite eye.

F. Accommodation reflex
1. Have your partner stare for several seconds at some dimly illuminated object in the
room that is more than 20 feet away
2. Observe the size of the pupil of one eye. Then hold a pencil about 25 cm in front of your
partner’s face, and have your partner stare at it.
3. Observe change in the size of the pupil. Record observation.

G. Convergence reflex
Equipment: Pencil
Procedure:
1. Repeat the procedure outlined for the accommodation reflex.
2. Note the position of the eyeballs as your partner changes focus from the distant object
to the pencil.
3. Record result.

H. Ishihara test: Test for color blindness. To test if you have some color blindness, please go
to this link online and perform the Ishihara Test online.

LINK: https://www.color-blindness.com/ishihara-38-plates-cvd-test/#prettyPhoto
I. Test for blind spot.

 Look at the image above with the plus sign and the circle.
 Look straight at the image, with your nose positioned somewhere
between the plus and the circle.
 Close your left eye, and focus your eyes on the plus sign with your
right eye. Do not look deliberately at the circle.
 Now move closer to the image, slowly. Don’t take your focus off the
plus sign while you are doing this.
 At some point between 10”-14”, the circle will disappear from your
peripheral vision. And the brain will read the surrounding white color
to fill up the empty space.
 This exact spot is your blind spot.
J. Clinical application.
Identify the anatomical structures involved in the following disorder/ procedure

Disorder/Procedure Structures
1. Glaucoma
2. Color blindness
3. Strabismus
4. Stye
5. Cataract
6. Jaundice

Sense of Olfaction:
Activity I. A. Identify the structures of the nose as indicated. Write your answers in the box
provided.
Answer box:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

B. Match these terms with the correct statement or definition.

Key choices:
Olfactory Olfactory tract Olfactory neurons
Olfactory cortex Olfactory nerve

1. Formed by axons from the olfactory neurons; pass

through the cribriform plate.
2. Are of the frontal lobes that receive the olfactory tracts.
3. Specialized cells in the epithelium of the nasal activity;
airborne molecules bind with the receptors on these cells.
Producing action potentials.
4. Receives the olfactory nerves.
5. Relays action potentials from the olfactory bulbs to the
brain.
Activity II. Equipments: Handkerchief, substances that has odor (edible and non-edible).
Procedure:
Blindfold the partner and instruct to identify odors.
If chemicals such as alcohol, or perfume are used, pour small amount into cotton and hold
not closer than 6 inches to the blindfolded partner.
If edible substances will be used (eg coffee, milk, viand), may hold close to nostril.
Note the substances that was correctly and incorrectly identified.
NAME:____________________________________________ Points Earned:___________
Section: __________________________________________ Date: ___________________

CHAPTER X
TITLE: SPECIAL SENSES 2: SENSE OF HEARING AND TASTE

Anatomy and Physiology of the Ear

The ear is the organ of hearing and equilibrium. The ear consists of three principal regions,
the external ear, the middle ear and the inner ear
A. Structure of the ear:
1. External ear
1.1 auricle or pinna
1.2 external canal.
The external acoustic canal is the fleshy tube that is fitted into the bony tube
called the external acoustic meatus
2. Middle ear
2.1 tympanic membrane (“eardrum’)
2.2 ossicles
These tiny bones (the smallest in the body) from outer to inner are the
malleus(hammer), incus (anvil), and stapes (stirrup).
3. Inner ear
The entire structure of the inner ear is referred to as the labyrinth. The space
between the bony labyrinth and the membranous labyrinth is filled with a fluid
called perilymph, which is secreted by the cells lining the bony canals

3.1 vestibule
3.2 semicircular canals\
3.3 cochlea. The snail shaped cochlea is coiled two and a half times around a
central core of bone
Physiology of Hearing or audition
Diagram of the pathway of sound waves
Auricle-> sound wave is directed to eardrum-> vibrates the malleus-> incus->
stapes-> oval window-> round window-> cochlea-> organ of corti->
vestibulocochlear nerve-> temporal lobe of the brain
Anatomy and Physiology of the Tongue
The receptors for the dense of taste are the taste buds located on the tongue and
some on the palate, fauces, pharynx and epiglottis. However, the essential organ of taste is
the tongue.
The gustatory (taste) receptors are located in the taste buds. Three principal types of
papillae can be identified:
1. Vallate papillae. The largest but least numerous are the vallate papillae, which are
arranged in ad inverted V-shaped pattern on the back of the tongue.
2. Fungiform papillae. Knoblike fungiform papillae are present on the tip and sides of the
tongue
3. Filiform papillae. Short, thickened threadlike filiform papillae are located on the
anterior two thirds of the tongue. Taste buds are found only in the vallate and
fungiform papillae
Physiology of Gustation
 To arouse the sensation, a substance must be in a solution. The saliva dissolves the
substance so they may stimulate the taste buds. Nerve impulses from one side of the tongue
are relayed to nerves and to the taste centers in the parietal lobe of cerebrum
Four Basic Taste Sensations
There are four basic taste s, which are sensed most accurately on particular parts of
the tongue. These are sweet (tip of tongue), sour (sides of tongue), bitter (back of tongue)
and salty (over most of the tongue but concentrated on the sides). A combination of these
taste modalities allows for impressive taste discrimination.
The sensory pathway that relays taste sensations to the brain mainly involves two
paired cranial nerves. Taste buds on the posterior third of the tongue have a sensory
pathway though which the glossopharyngeal nerves, whereas the anterior two thirds of the
tongue is served by the chorda tympani branch of the facial nerves. Taste sensations
passing through the nerves just mentioned are conveyed through the medulla oblongata and
thalamus to the parietal lobe of the cerebral cortex, where they are interpreted.

OBJECTIVES:
1. Discuss the receptors and processes involved in the transfer of sensation.
2. Identify the parts of each special sense and their functions on how the central nervous
system processes information related to its purpose.
Activity I. Label parts of the ear as indicated in the figure. Write your answers in the box
provided.

Answer box

1. 2. 3.
4. 5. 6.
7. 8. 9.
10. 11. 12.
13. 14. 15.
16.

A. Auditory acuity test:

Equipment: Wristwatch with swift second hand, cotton, ruler

Note: perform in close and quiet room
Instruction
1. Have the partner sit with the eyes closed
2. Pack one of the partner’s ear with cotton
3. Hold the wristwatch close to the uncovered ear and check if the partner can hear the
ticking sound of the second hand. Then slowly move the wristwatch laterally away from
the ear then let the partner notify when ticking sound is no longer heard.
4. Measure the distance using ruler in centimeter from the ear when ticking sound was last
heard
5. Record result.
6. Do the same on the opposite ear.
B. Rinne test
Equipment: Tuning fork, rubber hammer, watch with second hand, cotton balls
Instruction:
1. Cover one ear with cotton balls
2. Obtain a tuning fork and strike it with a rubber hammer, or on the heel of the hand
causing it to vibrate.
3. Place the tip of the tuning fork handle against the partner’s mastoid process behind
the uncovered ear with the prongs directed downward and away from the ear. Be
sure nothing is touching them. This will allow hearing the sound transmitted through
vibrations.
4. Ask the partner to indicate when the sound is no longer heard and take note of the
time.
5. Quickly remove the tuning fork from the mastoid process and position the prongs of
the tuning fork (without touching it) to approximately 2 inches from the external
auditory canal. Note for length of time the partner heard the sound conducted
through air.
C. Weber’s test
Equipment: Tuning fork
Instruction:
1. Strike the tuning fork with a rubber hammer or with the heel of your palm.
2. Place the handle of the tuning fork against the forehead at the midline.
3. Ask the partner to listen to the sound transmitted by the tuning fork
4. Indicate whether sound is heard equally on both ears or not. Which side does the
partner heard the sound louder?
5. Record result.

D. Assignment: Compare the sense of hearing of an elderly (preferably 70 and above years
old) with the sense of hearing of an adolescent.
People begin to lose their hearing as they get older. They find it difficult to distinguish
sounds that are close by and those that are far away. Conversations can also be difficult for
older people to engage in or follow. As well as talking on the phone, listening to music, or
watching television. Adolescents, on the other hand, still have good hearing, but some of
them have difficulty in hearing because they are used to wear earphones while listening to
music at high volume and other possible reasons.
E. Clinical application: Identify structures involved in the following disorder.

Disorder/Procedure Structures
1. Otitis Media
2. Meniere’s Disease
3. Tinnitus
 4. Swimmer’s ears
5. Otomycosis
6. Vestibular neuritis
7. Presbycusis
8. Cholesteatoma

F. Discuss the flow of the pathway of hearing as depicted in the image below. Write your
answer in the box provided.

Answer box

1.
2.
3.
4.
Sense of Taste:
A. Label the parts of the tongue and write your answers on the box provided.
Answer box

1. Lingual tonsil

2. Palatine tonsil

3. Fungiform
papillae

4. Epiglottis
B. Trace and discuss the pathways of the sense of taste.

Answer box

1
molecule to taste dissolves in saliva,
reaching taste pore

2
molecule to taste, binds to receptor
on gustatory hair

3
sends signal to dendrite of sensory
neuron of cranial nerve facial nerve
VII, glossopharyngeal nerve IX,
vagus nerve X

4
signal travels along nerve to the
thalamus

5
thalamus relays signal to cerebral
cortex

6
Taste detected at the gustatory
cortex in the insula