Anatomy of the Eye
Anterior chamber – the region of the eye between the cornea and the lens that contains aqueous humor. Aqueous humor – the fluid produced in the eye. Bruch’s membrane – located in the retina between the choroid and the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) layer; provides support to the retina and functions as the ‘basement’ membrane of the RPE layer. Ciliary body – part of the eye, above the lens, that produces the aqueous humor. Choroid – layer of the eye behind the retina, contains blood vessels that nourish the retina. Cones – the photoreceptor nerve cells present in the macula and concentrated in the fovea (the very center of the macula); enable people to see fine detail and color. Cornea – the outer, transparent structure at the front of the eye that covers the iris, pupil and anterior chamber. Drusen – deposits of yellowish extra cellular waste products that accumulate within and beneath the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) layer. Fovea – the pit or depression at the center of the macula that provides the greatest visual acuity. Iris – the colored ring of tissue behind the cornea that regulates the amount of light entering the eye by adjusting the size of the pupil. Lens – the transparent structure suspended behind the iris that helps to focus light on the retina. Macula – the portion of the eye at the center of the retina that processes sharp, clear straight-ahead vision. Optic nerve – the bundle of nerve fibers at the back of the eye that carry visual messages from the retina to the brain. Photoreceptors – the light sensing nerve cells (rods and cones) located in the retina. Pupil – the adjustable opening at the center of the iris through which light enters the eye. Retina – the light sensitive layer of tissue that lines the back of the eye. Retinal Pigmented Epithelium (RPE) – a layer of cells that protects and nourishes the retina, removes waste products, prevents new blood vessel growth into the retinal layer and absorbs light not absorbed by the photoreceptor cells; these actions prevent the scattering of the light and enhance clarity of vision. Rods – photoreceptor nerve cells in the eyes that are sensitive to low light levels and are present in the retina, but outside the macula. Sclera – the tough outer coat that protects the entire eyeball. Trabecular meshwork – spongy tissue located near the cornea through which aqueous humor flows out of the eye. Vitreous – clear jelly-like substance that fills the eye from the lens to the back of the eye. Last Reviewed On: 07/29/08 |
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