Other terms
See the full listVitreous
The vitreous, also known as the vitreous body or vitreous humor, is composed of a gel-like substance that is found in the posterior segment of the eye, between the lens and the retina. It is composed of water, collagen, hyaluronic acid, electrolytes, and proteins. The vitreous humor is surrounded by the hyaloid membrane.
The vitreous body comprises three anatomical regions
- Vitreous cortex
- Central vitreous
- Vitreous base
What does the Vitreous do?
The vitreous has several functions:
- Maintenance of the shape and structure of the eye.
- Acts as a shock absorber.
- Modulation of intraocular inflammation.
- Aids visual clarity.
- Acts as a reservoir for oxygen and nutrients.
Disorders of the Vitreous:
- Age-related vitreous degeneration
- Vitreous liquefaction
- Vitreous floaters
- Posterior vitreous detachment
- Vitreous hemorrhage
Source: Ankamah, E., Sebag, J., Ng, E., & Nolan, J. M. (2019). Vitreous Antioxidants, Degeneration, and Vitreo-Retinopathy: Exploring the Links. Antioxidants, 9(1), 7. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9010007
