Скачать или смотреть Aqueous Humor

Aqueous humor is a clear, watery fluid that fills the anterior chamber of the eye, which is the space between the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) and the lens. It is one of the two main fluids that help maintain the shape and health of the eye, the other being vitreous humor, which fills the larger, posterior chamber of the eye.

Here are some key points about aqueous humor:

1. Production: Aqueous humor is produced by the ciliary body, a structure located behind the iris (the colored part of the eye). The ciliary body contains specialized cells called ciliary epithelium that actively secrete aqueous humor.

2. Composition: Aqueous humor is composed primarily of water, but it also contains electrolytes (such as sodium and potassium), nutrients (like glucose and ascorbic acid), and proteins. The composition of aqueous humor is crucial for maintaining the health and nourishment of various structures in the eye.

3. Function: Aqueous humor serves several important functions in the eye:

Maintaining Intraocular Pressure: Aqueous humor helps maintain the intraocular pressure (IOP) of the eye, which is necessary to keep the eye's shape and ensure that it functions properly. Abnormalities in IOP can lead to conditions like glaucoma.

Nourishing Eye Structures: It supplies nutrients to the avascular (lacking blood vessels) structures of the eye, such as the cornea and the lens, which rely on aqueous humor for their nourishment.

Removing Waste Products: Aqueous humor also helps remove waste products from the eye.

4. Circulation: Aqueous humor is continuously produced and circulates within the anterior chamber of the eye. It flows from the ciliary body, passes through the pupil (the small, central opening in the iris), and then drains out of the eye through a specialized drainage system called the trabecular meshwork and the Schlemm's canal.

5. Regulation of Pressure: The rate of aqueous humor production and drainage is tightly regulated to maintain a stable intraocular pressure. Any disruption in this balance can lead to increased pressure, potentially causing damage to the optic nerve and leading to conditions like glaucoma.

6. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Uses: Aqueous humor can be sampled for diagnostic purposes, such as measuring intraocular pressure to screen for glaucoma. In some surgical procedures, aqueous humor may be temporarily drained or replaced with other fluids to control intraocular pressure.

In summary, aqueous humor is a clear, watery fluid in the front part of the eye that plays a vital role in maintaining intraocular pressure, nourishing eye structures, and removing waste products. Proper regulation of aqueous humor dynamics is crucial for maintaining the health and function of the eye.