Chapter 16 - Section 16.5 - Study Guide - Assess Your Learning Outcomes - Page 626: 7

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 plays a crucial role in maintaining the shape of the eye, providing nutrients to eye structures, and helping to maintain intraocular pressure. The secretion, flow, and reabsorption of aqueous humor are dynamic processes that ensure the eye's proper function. 1. **Secretion**: - Aqueous humor is produced by a structure called the ciliary body, which is located behind the iris (the colored part of the eye). - The ciliary body contains specialized cells that actively secrete aqueous humor into the posterior chamber of the eye, located behind the iris and in front of the lens. - This secretion process is essential for maintaining intraocular pressure and providing nutrients to the avascular lens and cornea. 2. **Flow**: - After being secreted by the ciliary body, aqueous humor flows from the posterior chamber, through the pupil (the central black opening in the iris), and into the anterior chamber of the eye. - As it flows through the anterior chamber, it bathes and nourishes the cornea and the front surface of the lens. - The flow of aqueous humor helps maintain the eye's shape and contributes to the overall clarity of vision. 3. **Reabsorption**: - Once aqueous humor has circulated through the anterior chamber, it needs to be reabsorbed to prevent a buildup of pressure within the eye. - Aqueous humor is reabsorbed through tiny channels called trabecular meshwork, located in the angle between the iris and the cornea. - From the trabecular meshwork, aqueous humor enters the scleral venous sinus (also known as Schlemm's canal), a drainage channel located in the sclera (the white of the eye). - From Schlemm's canal, the aqueous humor enters the bloodstream and is eventually eliminated from the body. The balance between the secretion of aqueous humor and its drainage/reabsorption is essential for maintaining the appropriate intraocular pressure. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to conditions like glaucoma, where increased intraocular pressure can damage the optic nerve and impair vision. Medications and surgical procedures can be used to manage the flow and drainage of aqueous humor in individuals with glaucoma to reduce intraocular pressure and preserve vision.

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 plays a crucial role in maintaining the shape of the eye, providing nutrients to eye structures, and helping to maintain intraocular pressure. The secretion, flow, and reabsorption of aqueous humor are dynamic processes that ensure the eye's proper function. 1. **Secretion**: - Aqueous humor is produced by a structure called the ciliary body, which is located behind the iris (the colored part of the eye). - The ciliary body contains specialized cells that actively secrete aqueous humor into the posterior chamber of the eye, located behind the iris and in front of the lens. - This secretion process is essential for maintaining intraocular pressure and providing nutrients to the avascular lens and cornea. 2. **Flow**: - After being secreted by the ciliary body, aqueous humor flows from the posterior chamber, through the pupil (the central black opening in the iris), and into the anterior chamber of the eye. - As it flows through the anterior chamber, it bathes and nourishes the cornea and the front surface of the lens. - The flow of aqueous humor helps maintain the eye's shape and contributes to the overall clarity of vision. 3. **Reabsorption**: - Once aqueous humor has circulated through the anterior chamber, it needs to be reabsorbed to prevent a buildup of pressure within the eye. - Aqueous humor is reabsorbed through tiny channels called trabecular meshwork, located in the angle between the iris and the cornea. - From the trabecular meshwork, aqueous humor enters the scleral venous sinus (also known as Schlemm's canal), a drainage channel located in the sclera (the white of the eye). - From Schlemm's canal, the aqueous humor enters the bloodstream and is eventually eliminated from the body. The balance between the secretion of aqueous humor and its drainage/reabsorption is essential for maintaining the appropriate intraocular pressure. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to conditions like glaucoma, where increased intraocular pressure can damage the optic nerve and impair vision. Medications and surgical procedures can be used to manage the flow and drainage of aqueous humor in individuals with glaucoma to reduce intraocular pressure and preserve vision.