Aqueous Outflow System of Eye
The aqueous outflow system of the eye is a complex system that regulates the flow of aqueous humor out of the eye and maintains a healthy intraocular pressure (IOP). Aqueous humor is a clear fluid that fills the anterior chamber and the posterior chamber of the eye. It is produced by the ciliary body and is responsible for maintaining the health and vitality of the eye. The aqueous outflow system is made up of several structures that work together to control the flow of aqueous humor and maintain a healthy IOP.
Anatomy of the Aqueous Outflow System
The aqueous outflow system is made up of several structures, including the trabecular meshwork, the Schlemm's canal, and the collector channels. The trabecular meshwork is a network of delicate collagen fibers and cells located in the angle of the anterior chamber that acts as a filter for the aqueous humor, allowing it to drain out of the eye. The Schlemm's canal is a circular channel that surrounds the circumference of the eye and receives the aqueous humor that has passed through the trabecular meshwork. The collector channels are small channels that connect the Schlemm's canal to the episcleral veins, which ultimately drain the aqueous humor into the bloodstream.
Function of the Aqueous Outflow System
The aqueous outflow system controls the flow of aqueous humor out of the eye and maintains a healthy intraocular pressure (IOP). The trabecular meshwork acts as a filter for the aqueous humor, allowing it to drain out of the eye. The resistance of the trabecular meshwork to the outflow of aqueous humor is one of the main factors that determines the intraocular pressure. The aqueous humor that has passed through the trabecular meshwork flows into the Schlemm's canal, and then into the collector channels, which ultimately drain the aqueous humor into the bloodstream.
Diseases of the Aqueous Outflow System
Diseases of the aqueous outflow system, such as open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma, can cause an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) which can lead to damage to the optic nerve and loss of vision. Open-angle glaucoma is a chronic condition that occurs when the trabecular meshwork becomes less effective at filtering the aqueous humor, causing an increase in intraocular pressure. Angle-closure glaucoma is a sudden condition that occurs when the angle of the anterior chamber is partially or completely blocked, preventing the drainage of aqueous humor and causing a rapid increase in intraocular pressure.
In summary, the aqueous outflow system of the eye is a complex system that regulates the flow of aqueous humor out of the eye and maintains a healthy intraocular pressure. It is made up of several structures, including the trabecular meshwork, the Schlemm's canal, and the collector channels. The trabecular meshwork acts as a filter for the aqueous humor, allowing it to drain out of the eye. The resistance of the trabecular meshwork to the outflow of aqueous humor is one of the main factors that determines the intraocular pressure. The aqueous humor that has passed through the trabecular meshwork flows into the Schlemm's canal, and then into the collector channels, which ultimately drain the aqueous humor into the bloodstream. Open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure
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