Overview of Anatomy

Abstract

An understanding of ocular and periocular anatomy is critical for the triage and care of ophthalmic disease. This chapter will present basic structures that are of clinical importance to an ophthalmologist and introduce key terms which will be used throughout the book in later chapters. Several conventions of nomenclature and orientation are important to note at the start of a discussion of ocular anatomy. “Nasal” and “temporal” are often used in place of “medial” or “lateral,” respectively, to orient examination findings and parts of ocular structures. When referring to layers of the globe, particularly the retina, “inner” refers to the layers closer to the center of the globe while “outer” indicates proximity to the space outside of the globe.