RETINAL CUP Meaning and
Definition
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The term "retinal cup" refers to a structural feature of the eye, specifically the optic disc, that is located in the back of the eye where the optic nerve exits. It describes the appearance of a hollow or depressed area on the surface of the retina, resembling a cup or saucer, which is formed by the convergence of retinal nerve fibers.
The retinal cup is typically circular or oval-shaped and can vary in size and depth among individuals. Its presence is a normal anatomical characteristic of the optic disc where blood vessels that supply nutrients and oxygen to the retina enter and exit. The cup is devoid of light-sensitive cells known as photoreceptors, which are abundant in other parts of the retina responsible for visual perception.
The depth of the retinal cup is sometimes used as an indicator for diagnosing certain eye conditions such as glaucoma. In cases of glaucoma or elevated intraocular pressure, the cup may become enlarged or deeper due to damage of the retinal fibers, leading to vision loss and possible visual field defects.
In conclusion, the retinal cup is a concave area found in the optic disc where retinal nerve fibers converge, and it serves as an entry point for blood vessels supplying the retina. Its presence is a normal anatomical feature, but changes in its depth can indicate certain eye conditions, particularly glaucoma.
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Excavation of the optic disc.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for RETINAL CUP
- eetinal cup
- detinal cup
- fetinal cup
- tetinal cup
- 5etinal cup
- 4etinal cup
- rwtinal cup
- rstinal cup
- rdtinal cup
- rrtinal cup
- r4tinal cup
- r3tinal cup
- rerinal cup
- refinal cup
- reginal cup
- reyinal cup
- re6inal cup
- re5inal cup
- retunal cup
- retjnal cup
Etymology of RETINAL CUP
The word "retinal cup" is derived from the combination of two terms: "retinal" and "cup".
"Retinal" refers to the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue that lines the inner surface of the eye. The term "retina" comes from the Latin word "rēte", meaning "net", as the retina resembles a delicate network of cells and nerve fibers.
The word "cup" has a more general etymology and can be traced back to the Old English word "cuppe" or "coppe", meaning a vessel or container with a raised rim. The term "cup" is used metaphorically to describe a concave or bowl-like structure in various contexts, including anatomy.
When combined, "retinal cup" refers to the depression or pit in the center of the optic disc, where the optic nerve exits the eye.
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