Reviewed on 2/14/2008

Glossary of Terms for an Anatomy of the Eye

Anterior chamber - the region of the eye between the cornea and the lens that contains aqueous humor.

Aqueous Humor - watery fluid that nourishes the interior of the front of the eye (anterior chamber) and helps to maintain normal eye pressure.

Ciliary body - part of the eye that produces the aqueous humor.

Choroid - layer of the eye containing blood vessels that nourish the retina.

Cornea - the outer, transparent structure that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber.

Fovea - the pit or depression within 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 retina that processes sharp, clear, "straight-ahead" vision.

Optic Nerve - the bundle of nerve fibers that carry visual messages from the retina to the brain.

Pupil - light enters the eye through this adjustable opening at the center of the iris.

Retina - the light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the back of the eye.

Sclera - the tough outer coat that protects the entire eyeball.

Trabecular Meshwork - aqueous humor flows out of the eye through this spongy tissue located near the cornea.

Vitreous - clear jelly-like substance that fills the eye from the lens on back. The vitreous (also called vitreous humor) helps to maintain the shape of the eye and provides a clear region for light to travel to the retina.