Trabecular meshwork: Difference between revisions

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

CSV import
 
CSV import
Line 1: Line 1:
'''Trabecular meshwork''' is a part of the eye that helps with the drainage of aqueous humor. It is located near the base of the cornea, and is responsible for maintaining the balance of fluid within the eye. Any damage or blockage to the trabecular meshwork can lead to increased intraocular pressure, which is a risk factor for [[glaucoma]].
{{Short description|A part of the eye involved in draining aqueous humor}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}


==Structure==
==Trabecular meshwork==
The trabecular meshwork is a spongy, mesh-like structure located in the anterior part of the eye. It is made up of connective tissue and is divided into three parts: the uveal meshwork, the corneoscleral meshwork, and the juxtacanalicular tissue. The uveal meshwork is the closest to the center of the eye, while the corneoscleral meshwork and juxtacanalicular tissue are closer to the periphery.
The '''trabecular meshwork''' is a crucial structure in the [[eye]] that plays a significant role in the drainage of [[aqueous humor]], the clear fluid filling the space in the front of the eyeball between the lens and the cornea. It is located in the [[anterior chamber]] angle, where the cornea meets the iris.
 
[[File:Gray870.png|thumb|right|Diagram of the trabecular meshwork in the eye]]
 
==Anatomy==
The trabecular meshwork is a spongy tissue that forms a mesh-like structure. It is situated circumferentially around the base of the cornea, near the [[scleral spur]]. The meshwork is divided into three regions: the uveal meshwork, the corneoscleral meshwork, and the juxtacanalicular tissue. Each of these regions has distinct structural and functional properties that contribute to the regulation of aqueous humor outflow.
 
[[File:Kammerwinkel.jpg|thumb|right|The anterior chamber angle, showing the trabecular meshwork]]


==Function==
==Function==
The primary function of the trabecular meshwork is to facilitate the outflow of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye. The aqueous humor is a clear fluid that nourishes the cornea and the lens, and its proper drainage is essential for maintaining the intraocular pressure within a normal range. The trabecular meshwork acts as a filter, allowing the aqueous humor to flow out while preventing the passage of larger particles.
The primary function of the trabecular meshwork is to facilitate the drainage of aqueous humor from the eye into the [[Schlemm's canal]], and subsequently into the bloodstream. This process is essential for maintaining intraocular pressure (IOP) within a normal range. Dysfunctions in the trabecular meshwork can lead to increased IOP, which is a major risk factor for [[glaucoma]], a group of eye conditions that can cause blindness.


==Clinical significance==
==Clinical significance==
Damage or blockage to the trabecular meshwork can lead to increased intraocular pressure, a condition known as [[ocular hypertension]]. This is a major risk factor for the development of glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness. In glaucoma, the increased pressure within the eye can damage the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the eye to the brain.
Abnormalities in the trabecular meshwork can lead to various eye conditions, most notably glaucoma. In [[open-angle glaucoma]], the trabecular meshwork becomes less efficient at draining aqueous humor, leading to increased IOP. Treatments for glaucoma often aim to improve the outflow of aqueous humor through the trabecular meshwork, either through medication or surgical procedures.
 
[[File:Anterior_chamber_angle_-_3D_motion_parallax.gif|thumb|right|3D motion parallax of the anterior chamber angle]]
 
==Research and developments==
Recent advances in imaging technologies, such as [[optical coherence tomography]] (OCT), have allowed for more detailed visualization of the trabecular meshwork. These technologies aid in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma by providing high-resolution images of the anterior chamber angle and the trabecular meshwork.
 
[[File:SD_OCT_-_Anterior_Chamber_Angle_Cross-Section_(with_viewfinder).png|thumb|right|Cross-section of the anterior chamber angle using SD-OCT]]


==See also==
==Related pages==
* [[Anterior chamber of the eye]]
* [[Aqueous humor]]
* [[Glaucoma]]
* [[Glaucoma]]
* [[Ocular hypertension]]
* [[Intraocular pressure]]
* [[Anterior chamber]]
* [[Schlemm's canal]]
 
==References==
* Quigley, H. A. (2011). "Glaucoma." The Lancet, 377(9774), 1367-1377.
* Johnson, M. (2006). "What controls aqueous humour outflow?" Experimental Eye Research, 82(4), 545-557.


[[Category:Eye anatomy]]
[[Category:Eye anatomy]]
[[Category:Glaucoma]]
[[Category:Ophthalmology]]
 
{{stub}}

Revision as of 23:45, 9 February 2025

A part of the eye involved in draining aqueous humor



Trabecular meshwork

The trabecular meshwork is a crucial structure in the eye that plays a significant role in the drainage of aqueous humor, the clear fluid filling the space in the front of the eyeball between the lens and the cornea. It is located in the anterior chamber angle, where the cornea meets the iris.

Diagram of the trabecular meshwork in the eye

Anatomy

The trabecular meshwork is a spongy tissue that forms a mesh-like structure. It is situated circumferentially around the base of the cornea, near the scleral spur. The meshwork is divided into three regions: the uveal meshwork, the corneoscleral meshwork, and the juxtacanalicular tissue. Each of these regions has distinct structural and functional properties that contribute to the regulation of aqueous humor outflow.

The anterior chamber angle, showing the trabecular meshwork

Function

The primary function of the trabecular meshwork is to facilitate the drainage of aqueous humor from the eye into the Schlemm's canal, and subsequently into the bloodstream. This process is essential for maintaining intraocular pressure (IOP) within a normal range. Dysfunctions in the trabecular meshwork can lead to increased IOP, which is a major risk factor for glaucoma, a group of eye conditions that can cause blindness.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in the trabecular meshwork can lead to various eye conditions, most notably glaucoma. In open-angle glaucoma, the trabecular meshwork becomes less efficient at draining aqueous humor, leading to increased IOP. Treatments for glaucoma often aim to improve the outflow of aqueous humor through the trabecular meshwork, either through medication or surgical procedures.

3D motion parallax of the anterior chamber angle

Research and developments

Recent advances in imaging technologies, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), have allowed for more detailed visualization of the trabecular meshwork. These technologies aid in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma by providing high-resolution images of the anterior chamber angle and the trabecular meshwork.

Cross-section of the anterior chamber angle using SD-OCT

Related pages

References

  • Quigley, H. A. (2011). "Glaucoma." The Lancet, 377(9774), 1367-1377.
  • Johnson, M. (2006). "What controls aqueous humour outflow?" Experimental Eye Research, 82(4), 545-557.