key term - Convergence

Definition

In the context of anatomy and physiology, specifically during the cranial nerve exam, convergence refers to the coordinated movement of both eyes inward to focus on a near object. It is a crucial aspect of the neurological examination that assesses the functionality of certain cranial nerves.

Related terms

Cranial Nerves:

Twelve pairs of nerves that emerge directly from the brain, not through the spinal cord, and are responsible for sensory and motor functions related to head and neck regions.

Oculomotor Nerve:

The third cranial nerve responsible for controlling most of the eye's movements including convergence and lens accommodation.

Accommodation: The process by which the eye changes optical power to maintain a clear image or focus on an object as its distance varies