Aqueous humor and vitreous humor are both clear fluids found within the eye, but they have distinct locations, functions, and compositions.
Aqueous Humor:
Location: Aqueous humor is located in the anterior (front) chamber of the eye, between the cornea and the lens.
Function: It serves several important functions, including maintaining the intraocular pressure (IOP) of the eye, providing nutrients to the cornea and lens, and helping to maintain the overall shape of the eye.
Composition: Aqueous humor is a clear, watery fluid composed mainly of water, electrolytes (such as sodium and potassium), and various proteins. It is continuously produced by a structure called the ciliary body and is drained out of the eye through structures like the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal.
Vitreous Humor:
Location: Vitreous humor is located in the posterior (back) chamber of the eye, filling the space between the lens and the retina.
Function: It primarily serves to maintain the shape of the eyeball, provide some support to the retina, and transmit light to the retina. Additionally, it contains collagen fibers that give it a gel-like consistency, helping to keep the retina in place.
Composition: Vitreous humor has a gel-like consistency due to its high content of water and a network of collagen fibers. It is mostly composed of water, hyaluronic acid, collagen, and some electrolytes.
In summary, the key differences between aqueous humor and vitreous humor are their locations within the eye, their functions, and their compositions. Aqueous humor is found in the front chamber of the eye, helps maintain intraocular pressure, and is involved in nutrient supply. Vitreous humor is located in the back chamber, maintains the eyeball's shape, and contains a gel-like substance that provides structural support.