Aqueous humor

Definition

Aqueous humor is a transparent fluid produced in the eye's ciliary body that fills the anterior and posterior chambers. It helps maintain intraocular pressure, provides nutrients, and removes waste from the eye.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Aqueous humor is continuously produced and drained to maintain intraocular pressure.
2. It flows from the posterior chamber through the pupil into the anterior chamber.
3. The primary drainage route is through the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal.
4. Imbalance in production and drainage can lead to glaucoma due to increased intraocular pressure.
5. Pharmacologic agents like beta-blockers and prostaglandin analogs are used to manage aqueous humor production.

Review Questions

• What roles does aqueous humor play in maintaining eye health?
• How is aqueous humor related to glaucoma?
• Which drugs are commonly used to regulate aqueous humor production?

Related terms

Intraocular Pressure (IOP): The fluid pressure inside the eye, primarily regulated by the balance between aqueous humor production and drainage.

Trabecular Meshwork:

A spongy tissue located around the base of the cornea responsible for draining aqueous humor from the eye.

Ciliary Body:

A part of the eye that produces aqueous humor and contains muscles involved in lens accommodation.