Aqueous humour
The aqueous humour is a transparent, gelatinous fluid similar to plasma, but containing low protein concentrations. It is secreted from the ciliary epithelium, a structure supporting the lens. It is located in the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye, the space between the lens and the cornea. It is not to be confused with vitreous humour, which is contained within the larger cavity of the eye behind the lens.
Structure
Composition
Amino acids: transported by ciliary muscles
98% water
Electrolytes
Ascorbic acid
Glutathione
Immunoglobulins
Function
Maintains the intraocular pressure and inflates the globe of the eye. It is this hydrostatic pressure which keeps the eyeball in a roughly spherical shape and keeps the walls of the eyeball taut.
Provides nutrition (e.g. amino acids and glucose) for the avascular ocular tissues; posterior cornea, trabecular meshwork, lens, and anterior vitreous.
May serve to transport ascorbate in the anterior segment to act as an antioxidant agent.
Presence of immunoglobulins indicate a role in immune response to defend against pathogens.
