Question

Vitreous chamber is filled with (a) Transparent sol called vitreous humour (b) Transparent gel called vitreous humour (c) Opaque sol called vitreous humour (d) Opaque gel called vitreous humour

Short answer

The correct answer is (b) Transparent gel called vitreous humour.

Step-by-step solution

Identify Correct Properties

Understand that vitreous humour is the clear gel that fills the space between the lens and the retina in the eyeball.

Identify transparency

Recognize vitreous humour as transparent because it allows light to pass through.

Identify Incorrect Options

Rule out the options that say vitreous humour is 'sol' or 'opaque'. Neither of these terms correctly describe the properties of the vitreous humour.

Select Correct Option

Among the given options, the correct choice is the one stating that vitreous humour is a transparent gel.

Key concepts

Vitreous Chamber

The vitreous chamber is one of the three main chambers in the eye. It is located between the lens and the retina, at the back of the eye. This space is filled with a substance known as vitreous humour. The chamber serves several important functions in eye health and vision. It helps maintain the eye's shape, supports the retina by keeping it in place, and provides a pathway for light to reach the retina.
Interestingly, while the vitreous chamber does not play a direct role in focusing light, its clarity is essential for good vision. If the vitreous humour becomes clouded or filled with debris, it can significantly impact how well a person sees. Thus, the health of the vitreous chamber is crucial for optimal ocular performance.

Transparent Gel

The vitreous humour is described as a transparent gel, which is crucial for its role in vision. This gel-like substance is predominantly made up of water, with a small amount of collagen and hyaluronic acid.

• Water: Makes up about 98-99% of the vitreous humour, providing fluidity and maintaining transparency.
• Collagen: Provides structure and helps the gel maintain its shape.
• Hyaluronic acid: Binds to water and contributes to the gel's pliability and transparency.

Together, these components ensure that the vitreous humour remains clear, allowing light to pass through without obstruction. This transparent gel is vital for unimpeded light transmission to the retina, allowing us to see clearly and without distortion.

Eye Anatomy

Understanding eye anatomy helps us appreciate how the different parts work together to create vision. The eye is a complex organ divided into several parts that function in harmony.

• Cornea and Lens: These front parts help to focus light entering the eye.
• Retina: Located at the back of the eye, it receives light and converts it into neural signals for the brain to process.
• Optic Nerve: Transmits these signals from the retina to the brain, where they are interpreted as images.

The vitreous chamber and vitreous humour, though not directly involved in light focusing, are essential for maintaining the structure and allowing unobstructed light passage. Understanding the anatomy underscores the importance of each part, including the vitreous humour's role as a transparent medium.

Light Transmission

Light must travel through various parts of the eye to reach the retina for proper vision. It first passes through the cornea and lens and then enters the vitreous chamber. The transparency of the vitreous humour plays a critical role here. If any part of this pathway is obstructed or clouded, light transmission can be distorted, leading to impaired vision. The vitreous humour's clarity ensures that light reaches the retina with minimal scatter, essential for sharp and clear imaging.
Thus, maintaining the transparency of the vitreous humour is vital for effective light transmission and the overall quality of vision. If the vitreous humour becomes cloudy, it can result in visual issues such as floaters or more serious conditions like retinal detachment.

Ocular Physiology

Ocular physiology encompasses the various functions and processes that occur within the eyes to facilitate vision. Central to these processes is the vitreous chamber, which plays an indirect yet vital role.

• Pressure Regulation: The vitreous humour helps maintain intraocular pressure, which is necessary for eye health.
• Nutrient Transport: Although it does not nourish the eye directly, the vitreous humour can play a role in the passive movement of nutrients and waste products within the eye.
• Structural Support: Its gel-like nature provides cushioning to the eye, protecting it from physical shocks.

Studying ocular physiology provides insights into how disturbances in the vitreous humour or any part of the eye's physiology may affect overall vision. This understanding aids in diagnosing and treating various eye conditions that can impact the health of the vitreous chamber.