Hyaloid artery

Hyaloid artery is an artery in the eye that plays a crucial role in the development of the eye's vascular system. It is a temporary structure that typically disappears after birth, but in some cases, remnants may persist.

Etymology

The term "hyaloid" comes from the Greek words "hyalos," meaning glass, and "eidos," meaning form or shape. This is in reference to the transparent nature of the hyaloid artery.

Anatomy

The hyaloid artery originates from the ophthalmic artery, which is a branch of the internal carotid artery. It enters the eye through the optic disc, and extends to the lens of the eye. The hyaloid artery forms a network of capillaries around the lens, known as the tunica vasculosa lentis.

Function

The primary function of the hyaloid artery is to supply blood to the developing lens and vitreous humor of the eye during fetal development. After birth, the hyaloid artery typically atrophies and disappears, as its function is taken over by other blood vessels in the eye.

Clinical significance

In some cases, remnants of the hyaloid artery may persist after birth, a condition known as Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous (PHPV). This can lead to various eye problems, including cataracts, glaucoma, and microphthalmia. Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the remnants of the hyaloid artery.

See also

• Eye development
• Vascular system
• Ophthalmic artery
• Internal carotid artery
• Optic disc
• Lens (anatomy)
• Vitreous humor
• Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous
• Cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Microphthalmia

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  Schematic diagram of the human eye