Definition
noun
The clear, gel-like body fluid in the vitreous chamber, i.e. the posterior cavity between the lens and the retina of the eyeball
Supplement
The vitreous humor is a clear body fluid found within the eyeball. It is the major body fluid in the eyeball (another body fluid is the aqueous humor). It is produced by the non-pigmented cells in the ciliary body.
The vitreous humor fills the space (called vitreous chamber) between the lens and the retina of the eyeball. It is gelatinous near the edges and fluid-like near the center. Its main component is water (99%). Other components include salts, sugars (e.g. glucose), vitrosin, and proteins. The inorganic ion content of vitreous includes sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium, and phosphate. The inorganic coenzymes in the vitreous humor are manganese, iron, copper, and selenium. Immunoglobulins (particularly, IgG) are also present.
Cells (e.g. phagocytes and hyalocytes) are also present in the vitreous humor. Phagocytes clear the visual field off of cellular debris. Hyalocytes (vitreous cells) are also present in the vitreous humor. They occur in the periphery and may produce hyaluronic acid and collagen.
The gel in the vitreous humor is not replenished continuously. It is stagnant and therefore cells and other substances could be deposited in it as floaters.
Variant(s):
- vitreous humour
See also:
