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 – the fluid produced in the eye.

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.