Aqueous humor

Definition

Aqueous humor is a clear, watery fluid found in the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye, responsible for maintaining intraocular pressure and providing nutrients to the avascular structures of the eye, such as the lens and cornea. This fluid plays a critical role in the overall function of the eye by supporting its shape and facilitating nutrient transport, while also helping to remove metabolic wastes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Aqueous humor is produced by the ciliary body at a rate of about 2-3 microliters per minute.
2. It plays a vital role in maintaining intraocular pressure, which is essential for keeping the eye's shape and ensuring proper vision.
3. The drainage of aqueous humor occurs through the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal, helping regulate intraocular pressure.
4. Changes in aqueous humor production or drainage can lead to ocular diseases, including glaucoma, which can cause irreversible damage to the optic nerve.
5. The composition of aqueous humor includes water, electrolytes, glucose, and proteins that nourish eye tissues and maintain their health.

Review Questions

• How does aqueous humor contribute to maintaining intraocular pressure and overall eye health?
  • Aqueous humor is essential for maintaining intraocular pressure by balancing its production and drainage. It helps keep the shape of the eye, allowing it to focus light properly. Additionally, this fluid provides necessary nutrients to avascular structures like the lens and cornea, supporting their health and function.
• Discuss how abnormalities in aqueous humor production or drainage can lead to conditions like glaucoma.
  • Abnormalities in aqueous humor can occur when either its production increases or its drainage is obstructed. This imbalance raises intraocular pressure, which can lead to glaucoma. In this condition, elevated pressure damages the optic nerve over time, potentially resulting in vision loss if not treated effectively.
• Evaluate the role of the ciliary body in aqueous humor production and how it connects to other ocular structures.
  • The ciliary body is critical for producing aqueous humor and is located behind the iris. It contains processes that secrete this fluid into the anterior chamber. By connecting to the lens via zonules, the ciliary body not only contributes to maintaining pressure but also plays a role in adjusting lens shape for focusing. Understanding its function helps us appreciate how interconnected ocular structures work together to maintain vision.

Related terms

Intraocular Pressure: The fluid pressure inside the eye, which is maintained by the balance between the production and drainage of aqueous humor.

Ciliary Body: The part of the eye that produces aqueous humor, located behind the iris and connected to the lens via zonules.

Glaucoma: A group of eye conditions that result in damage to the optic nerve, often associated with increased intraocular pressure due to improper drainage of aqueous humor.