Aqueous & Vitreous Humor

What are the two main types of humor found in the eye?

Aqueous humor and vitreous humor.

Where is the aqueous humor located?

It fills the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye.

Define aqueous humor.

Aqueous humor is a water-like fluid produced in the eye that maintains intraocular pressure and supplies nutrients.

What are the main functions of aqueous humor?

It provides nutrients to the cornea and lens, maintains intraocular pressure, and removes waste products.

What is the primary difference between aqueous humor and vitreous humor?

Aqueous humor is thin and watery, while vitreous humor is thicker and gel-like.

How is aqueous humor produced?

Aqueous humor is produced by the non-pigmented ciliary epithelium of the ciliary body.

What route does aqueous humor primarily take to exit the eye?

It primarily exits via the conventional pathway through the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal.

What is meant by 'uveoscleral outflow'?

Uveoscleral outflow refers to the unconventional route for aqueous humor drainage that bypasses Schlemm's canal.

What happens to intraocular pressure (IOP) if aqueous humor drainage is obstructed?

Intraocular pressure increases, which can lead to conditions like glaucoma.

Describe the role of the trabecular meshwork.

The trabecular meshwork filters aqueous humor and facilitates its drainage through Schlemm's canal.

What is the average intraocular pressure considered normal?

Normal IOP ranges between 10 mmHg and 21 mmHg.

What anatomical features may affect aqueous humor drainage?

Changes in iris contour, such as shallow anterior chambers or large lenses, can impair drainage.

What is the Cloquet canal?

Cloquet canal is a channel running through the center of the vitreous body, formed during embryological development.

What changes occur to the vitreous humor as a person ages?

The vitreous humor undergoes liquefaction, leading to a decrease in gel volume and an increase in liquid volume.

What is the function of the vitreous humor?

It provides a clear medium for light transmission, acts as a shock absorber, and stores nutrients for the retina.

How is intraocular pressure measured in clinical practice?

Using methods such as Goldmann applanation tonometry.

What is posterior vitreous detachment?

It is a condition where the vitreous humor separates from the retina, often associated with aging.

What are the three types of anterior chamber angle meshwork?

The three types are the trabecular meshwork, uveoscleral meshwork, and the corneoscleral meshwork.

Describe the trabecular meshwork in the anterior chamber angle.

It is the primary drainage site for aqueous humor, filtering it before it enters Schlemm's canal.

What is the function of the uveoscleral meshwork?

It provides an alternative pathway for aqueous humor drainage, bypassing the trabecular meshwork.

How does the corneoscleral meshwork contribute to aqueous humor drainage?

It assists in the drainage of aqueous humor through its network of collagen fibers, affecting fluid flow.

What structures compose the filtration apparatus of the eye?

The filtration apparatus mainly includes the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal.

What is the main purpose of the filtration apparatus?

Its purpose is to facilitate the drainage of aqueous humor, thereby regulating intraocular pressure.

How does the trabecular meshwork appear anatomically?

The trabecular meshwork appears as a spongy tissue composed of sheets of connective tissue and endothelial cells.

What role does Schlemm's canal play in aqueous humor drainage?

Schlemm's canal collects aqueous humor from the trabecular meshwork and drains it into the bloodstream.

What is the significance of the anterior chamber angle in filtration?

The anterior chamber angle is where the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal are located, crucial for proper drainage.

How can anatomical changes in the filtration apparatus affect eye health?

Anatomical changes can impede drainage, leading to increased intraocular pressure and potential glaucoma.

What is the role of the ciliary body in the filtration apparatus?

The ciliary body produces aqueous humor, which travels through the filtration apparatus.

What factors can influence the effectiveness of the filtration apparatus?

Factors include age, ocular pressure, and anatomical variations.

What happens if the trabecular meshwork becomes dysfunctional?

Dysfunction can lead to impaired drainage, causing elevated intraocular pressure.

What is the relationship between the filtration apparatus and glaucoma?

Malfunction or obstruction in the filtration apparatus can result in glaucoma due to increased intraocular pressure.

What structures form the anterior chamber angle?

The anterior chamber angle is formed by the cornea and the iris.

What is the importance of the anterior chamber angle in the eye?

It plays a crucial role in facilitating the drainage of aqueous humor.

What anatomical features are located in the anterior chamber angle?

The trabecular meshwork, Schlemm's canal, and the uveoscleral pathway.

How does the configuration of the anterior chamber angle affect glaucoma risk?

A narrow or closed angle can increase the risk of angle-closure glaucoma.

What role does the iris play in the anterior chamber angle?

The iris helps regulate the flow of aqueous humor through its positioning against the cornea.

What changes in the anterior chamber angle can occur with aging?

Aging can lead to anatomical changes, such as narrowing of the angle, which may affect drainage.

How does anterior chamber angle anatomy influence IOP measurement?

The angle's anatomy can impact the accuracy of IOP readings during clinical evaluations.

What are the two main routes of aqueous humor outflow?

The two main routes are the conventional pathway through the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal, and the unconventional pathway known as uveoscleral outflow.

What is the conventional pathway of aqueous humor drainage?

It involves the drainage of aqueous humor through the trabecular meshwork into Schlemm's canal and then into the bloodstream.

What is the significance of uveoscleral outflow?

Uveoscleral outflow provides an alternative drainage route for aqueous humor that bypasses the trabecular meshwork, helping to maintain intraocular pressure.

How does uveoscleral outflow differ from the conventional pathway?

Uveoscleral outflow is an unconventional route that allows aqueous humor to drain through the ciliary body and surrounding tissues into the bloodstream, unlike the conventional route which relies on the trabecular meshwork.