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acromegaly
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rare hormonal disorder that occurs when the pituitary gland produces an excessive amount of growth hormone (GH)
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adenoids
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lymphoid tissue that traps and destroys invading pathogens that enter during inhalation
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adenoma
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noncancerous tumor
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amblyopia (also, lazy eye)
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reduced vision in one eye due to improper development
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anisocoria
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unequal pupil sizes in both eyes
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astigmatism
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blurred or distorted vision due to an irregularly shaped cornea or lens
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autoimmune disease
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occurs when the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues
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Bell palsy
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neurological disorder characterized by the sudden onset of facial muscle weakness or paralysis
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candidiasis (also, thrush)
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fungal infection that appears as white patches
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cataract
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clouding of the eye’s natural lens
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cauliflower ear
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deformed ear, resembling cauliflower, due to repeated trauma to the ear
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cerumen
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earwax
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cervical vertebrae
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series of seven small bones that make up the upper part of the vertebral column, also known as the spine
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chalazion
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noninfectious bump on the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland
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ciliary muscle
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controls the shape of the lens to help with focusing on near and distant objects
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cleft lip
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birth defect that involves a partial or complete failure of the right and left portions of the upper lip to fuse together, leaving a cleft (gap)
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cleft palate
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birth defect resulting from a failure of the two halves of the hard palate to completely come together and fuse at the midline, thus leaving a gap between the nasal and oral cavities
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cochlea
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snail-shaped, fluid-filled structure responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that the brain can interpret as sound
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color blindness
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difficulty distinguishing certain colors, often red and green or blue and yellow
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concussion
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a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when the brain experiences a sudden and forceful movement within the skull
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conductive hearing loss
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occurs when something in the external or middle ear is obstructing the transmission of sound
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cone
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photoreceptor that is primarily responsible for color vision and visual acuity
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congenital ear pit
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small depression near the external ear present at birth
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congenital ear tag
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small piece of extra tissue present at birth
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conjunctiva
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thin, transparent membrane covering the front surface of the eye
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conjunctivitis (also, pink eye)
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inflammation of the conjunctiva
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connective tissue disease
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disorder affecting tissues such as skin, tendons, and cartilage
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cornea
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clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye
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corneal abrasion
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scratch or injury to the cornea’s surface
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corneal scar
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tissue that forms after the healing of a deep eye injury
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Cushing syndrome (also, hypercortisolism)
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characterized by an excessive and prolonged exposure to high levels of the hormone cortisol
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deviated septum
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thin wall (nasal septum) that separates the two nasal passages is displaced or shifted to one side
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diplopia
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seeing two images of a single object
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dry mouth
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reduced saliva production
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earwax impaction
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a buildup of earwax (cerumen)
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ectropion
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outward turning of the lower eyelid
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enlarged tonsils
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swollen tonsil
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epiglottis
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a flexible piece of cartilage that covers the opening of the trachea during swallowing to prevent ingested material from entering the trachea
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epiglottitis
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inflammation of the epiglottis
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epistaxis (also, nosebleed)
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bleeding from the blood vessels within the nasal passages
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erythroplakia
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red patches on the oral mucosa
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ethmoid bone
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bone located between the eye sockets and forms part of the nasal cavity
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eustachian tube
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connects the middle ear to the back of the nose
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exophthalmos
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bulging or protruding eyeballs
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external auditory canal
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a tubelike structure that connects the pinna to the eardrum
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external ear
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composed of pinna (auricle) and external auditory canal
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extraocular movement
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movement of the eye that is controlled by a group of muscles surrounding each eye
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eyebrow
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the hair-covered ridge above the eye that helps protect the eye from sweat and direct sunlight
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eyelashes
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short hairs along the eyelid edge that helps prevent debris from entering the eye
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eyelid
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the movable fold of skin and muscle that covers and protects the front of the eye
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facial drooping
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an asymmetrical facial expression that occurs due to damage of the nerve
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flash
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brief, flickering light or sensation that occurs in the visual field
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floater
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small, semitransparent spot or shape that appears to “float” in the field of vision
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foul taste
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bad taste in the mouth
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frontal bone
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bone that forms the forehead and the upper portion of the eye sockets
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gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
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condition resulting from chronic acid reflux
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glaucoma
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a group of eye disorders characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve, causing gradual peripheral vision loss and potential blindness
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gum disease
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infection of the tissues that hold the teeth in place
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gustation
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taste
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halitosis
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persistent foul-smelling or bad breath
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halo
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glowing circle or ring around a light source
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headache
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a common and uncomfortable sensation of pain or discomfort in the head or upper neck area
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hordeolum (also, stye)
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painful, localized infection or inflammation of an eyelid gland
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hyperopia (also, farsightedness)
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distant objects are clearer than close ones
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inner ear
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composed of the cochlea and the vestibular system
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inner ear trauma
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trauma to the head or ears that results in inner ear damage
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iris
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colored part of the eye
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labyrinthitis
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inflammation of the inner ear
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lacrimal duct
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drains tears from the eye’s surface to the nasal cavity
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lacrimal gland
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produces tears that keep the eye moist
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laryngitis
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inflammation of the larynx (vocal cords)
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larynx
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tubular airway structure at the superior part of the trachea that connects the pharynx to the trachea and helps regulate the volume of air that enters and leaves the lungs; contains the vocal cords
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lens
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transparent, flexible structure located behind the iris
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leukoplakia
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thickened, white patches on the oral mucosa
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levator scapulae
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muscle located along the side of the neck
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linear scleroderma
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a line of scleroderma
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macrotia
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abnormally large ears compared to typical proportions
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macula
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small, central area of the retina responsible for central vision and color perception
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macular degeneration
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gradual and progressive damage to the macula
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mandible
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lower jaw bone
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mastoid process
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bony prominence behind the ear
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maxilla
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upper jaw bone
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Ménière disease
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disorder of the inner ear characterized by episodes of vertigo (spinning sensation), fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
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microtia
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a congenital condition where the external ear is underdeveloped or absent
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miosis
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abnormal constriction of the pupil
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morphea
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patches of scleroderma
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mydriasis
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pupil dilation
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myopia (nearsightedness)
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distant objects appear blurry while close objects are clear
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myringitis
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inflammation of the eardrum
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myxedema
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severe form of hypothyroidism that occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones
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nasal polyp
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noncancerous growth that develops inside the nasal passages or sinuses
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nasal septum
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internal wall, composed of bone and cartilage, that divides the nose into left and right nostrils
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night blindness
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difficulty seeing in low-light conditions
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nystagmus
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an involuntary, rhythmic, back-and-forth movement of the eyes
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occipital bone
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bone that forms the back and base of the cranium
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olfaction
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smell
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optic atrophy
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degeneration of the optic nerve fibers
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optic disc
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the area where the optic nerve exits the retina
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optic nerve
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the bundle of nerve fibers that carries visual information from the retina to the brain for processing
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orbit
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bony socket that houses the eyeball and the muscles that move the eyeball
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otitis externa (also, “swimmer’s ear”)
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an infection or inflammation of the external ear canal, usually caused by water exposure or bacterial/fungal infections
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otitis media (also, middle ear infection)
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Eustachian tube becomes inflamed and the middle ear fills with fluid, causing ear pain and irritability
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papilledema
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swelling of the optic disc at the back of the eye due to increased intracranial pressure
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paranasal sinuses
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a group of air-filled spaces within the bones of the face and skull, located around the nose and above the eyes
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parietal bones
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bones that form the majority of the upper sides and the roof of the cranium
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perforated eardrum
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a hole or tear in the tympanic membrane
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peripheral vision
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ability to perceive objects, movement, and light outside the central area of focus
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peritonsillar abscess
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a collection of pus behind the tonsils that can cause severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and voice changes
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persistent toothache
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toothache that will not go away
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pharyngitis
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inflammation of the pharynx
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pharynx
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muscular tube that connects the nasal cavity and mouth to the voice box (larynx) and the esophagus (food pipe); also known as the throat
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photophobia
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sensitivity to light
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presbycusis
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sensorineural hearing loss that occurs with aging due to gradual nerve degeneration
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presbyopia
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age-related difficulty in focusing on close objects
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pterion
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point where the frontal, parietal, sphenoid, and temporal bones meet
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pterygium
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a growth of tissue on the conjunctiva that can extend onto the cornea
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ptosis
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drooping of the upper eyelid
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pupil
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black circular opening in the center of the iris
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Raynaud phenomenon
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a condition that causes pale or blue fingers with cold exposure
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retina
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innermost layer of the eye that contains photoreceptors (rods and cones)
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rheumatic disease
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condition that primarily affects the joints, muscles, and bones
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rhinitis
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inflammation of the nasal passages
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Rinne test
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clinical test that compares air conduction (AC) and bone conduction (BC) to assess whether hearing loss is due to conductive or sensorineural factors
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rod
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photoreceptor that is responsible for vision in low-light conditions and for detecting movement
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Romberg test
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clinical assessment used to assess balance
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scalene muscles
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muscles located on the side of the neck
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sclera
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white, tough outer covering of the eye
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scleroderma (also, systemic sclerosis)
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a chronic, autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the skin
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sensorineural hearing loss
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hearing loss caused by pathology of the inner ear, cranial nerve VIII, or auditory areas of the cerebral cortex
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simple goiter (also, endemic goiter)
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noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid gland that results in visible swelling of the neck
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sinusitis
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inflammation of the sinuses
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sphenoid bone
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bone that sits at the base of the skull
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Stahl ear (also, “Spock ear”)
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condition involves a pointed or elflike appearance of the upper part of the ear due to an extra fold
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stapes (also, stirrup)
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the smallest bone in the human body; transmits vibrations from the incus to the oval window of the cochlea
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sternocleidomastoid
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muscle that runs diagonally from the base of the skull behind the ear to the sternum and clavicle
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strabismus
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misalignment of the eyes causing one eye to turn inward, outward, upward, or downward while the other eye remains focused
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sutures
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fibrous joints that connect the bones of the skull
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temporal bones
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bones located on the sides and base of the skull
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thyroid
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a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the front of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple (thyroid cartilage)
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tinnitus
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ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ears
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tonsillar exudate
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white or yellow patches on the tonsils
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tooth decay
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visible cavities or holes in the outer sruface of a tooth or enamel
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tooth mobility
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teeth feel loose or shift position
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tooth sensitivity
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sharp pain or discomfort when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages
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trapezius
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large muscle that extends from the base of the skull down to the upper back
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traumatic brain injury (TBI)
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damage to the brain caused by a sudden, external force or trauma
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turbinates
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a bony structure covered in mucous membrane that protrudes into a nasal cavity and helps to humidify and filter the air
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tympanic membrane retraction
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the eardrum is pulled or retracted into the middle ear
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tympanosclerosis
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involves the formation of thickened or scarred areas on the eardrum due to repeated infections or inflammation
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vertigo
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sensation of spinning or dizziness
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vestibular system
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composed of the semicircular canals and the vestibule
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visual acuity
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measures a person’s ability to see details at a specific distance
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visual field
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area that an individual can see when their gaze is fixed straight ahead
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visual reflex
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automatic and involuntary response of the eyes and the body to visual stimuli
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vitreous humor
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a gel-like substance that fills the space within the eye
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Weber test
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clinical test used to determine whether hearing loss is present in one ear or if it is roughly equal in both ears
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zygomatic bone
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cheekbone