The spelling of "lenticular capsule" is a bit tricky, but it can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first word, "lenticular," is pronounced /lɛnˈtɪkjʊlər/ with stress on the second syllable (len-TICK-yoo-lur). The second word, "capsule," is pronounced /ˈkæpsjuːl/ with stress on the first syllable (KAP-sool). The combination of the two words forms a compound noun that refers to a small sac or membrane, typically found in the eye.
A lenticular capsule, also known as a lens capsule, is a transparent, elastic, and fibrous membrane that surrounds the lens of the eye. It is a vital component in maintaining the shape and position of the lens, which is responsible for focusing light onto the retina.
The lenticular capsule consists of two layers: the anterior capsule and the posterior capsule. The anterior capsule faces the front of the eye and is in direct contact with the aqueous humor, while the posterior capsule faces the back of the eye and is in close proximity to the vitreous body. These layers enclose the lens, ensuring its stability and providing essential support.
Functionally, the lenticular capsule plays a crucial role in accommodation, the process through which the lens adjusts its shape to focus on objects at varying distances. When the ciliary muscle contracts, the lenticular capsule becomes more elastic, allowing the lens to become rounder and increase its refractive power, enabling clear vision of nearby objects. Conversely, when the muscle relaxes, the capsule stretches, flattening the lens and improving distant vision.
Pathological conditions can affect the lenticular capsule, such as cataracts, wherein the capsule becomes cloudy or opacified, leading to blurry vision. Surgical interventions, like cataract surgery, involve removing the damaged lens and sometimes partially or entirely removing the lenticular capsule, which is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens to restore vision.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "lenticular capsule" can be broken down into two parts: "lenticular" and "capsule".
1. "Lenticular" originates from the Latin word "lentīculus", a diminutive form of "lens", which means "lentil". This is because the word describes something shaped like a lens or lentil.
2. "Capsule" is derived from the Latin word "capsula", which means a small container or case. It is a diminutive form of "capsa", meaning "box".
Therefore, the etymology of "lenticular capsule" refers to a container or case with a shape similar to a lens or lentil.