Anatomy of the Eye

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The human eye is a complex organ made up of several different parts. These are shown in the diagram above and described below.

Anterior Chamber

The front section of the eye's interior where aqueous humor flows in and out, providing nourishment to the eye and surrounding tissues.

Blood Vessels

Tubes that carry blood.

Choroid

The thin, blood-rich membrane that covers the white of the eyeball; responsible for supplying blood to the retina.

Ciliary Body

The part of the eye that produces aqueous humor.

Cornea

The clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye.

Hyaloid Canal

The narrow passageway that allows blood to flow through the eye.

Iris

The colored part of the eye. The iris is partly responsible for regulating the amount of light permitted to enter the eye.

Lens (also called crystalline lens)

The transparent structure inside the eye that focuses light rays onto the retina.

Macula

The portion of the eye that allows us to see fine details clearly.

Optic Nerve

A bundle of more than 1 million nerve fibers that connects the retina with the brain. The optic nerve is responsible for interpreting the impulses it receives into images.

Posterior Chamber

The back section of the eye's interior.

Pupil

The dark center in the middle of the iris through which light passes to the back of the eye.

Retina

The light-sensitive nerve layer that lines the back of the eye. The retina senses light and creates impulses that are sent through the optic nerve to the brain.

Sclera

The white visible portion of the eyeball. The muscles that move the eyeball are attached to the sclera.

Suspensory Ligament of Lens

A series of fibers that connect the ciliary body of the eye with the lens, holding it in place.

Vitreous Body

A clear, jelly-like substance that fills the center of the eye.