Aqueous Humor Flashcards
Aqueous humor comes from
Circulation from the major circle of the iris by an ultrafiltration mechanism
(Similar to CSF)
Aqueous humor is produced by
Ciliary processes
Aqueous humor is necessary for
Maintaining the proper shape of the eye and its optical properties
What part of ciliary body is AH facing?
Non pigmented epithelium (NPE) faces the posterior chamber (it crosses from the pigmented epithelium that is facing circulation)
Fenestrated capillaries allow for transportation of AH because
Capillaries are lined by endothelium with PORES and NO TIGHT JUNCTIONS, so they are very permeable to macromolecules. Allows for the passing of nutrients
Blood flows from ____ to _____ and drains through _____.
Anterior to posterior and drains through the choroidal veins
3 physiological processes contribute to the formation and composition of AH:
Which is more relied on?
1.Diffusion
2. Ultrafiltration
3. Active secretion
Mostly relying on active secretion
Ultrafiltration needs
Pressure
Diffusion and ultrafiltration are ___ processes requiring______.
Passive
No active cellular participation
How does diffusion across cell membranes happen? What is more likely to go through?
It moves down the concentration gradient.
Substances with high lipid solubility move readily through membranes in this way.
What does ultrafiltration depend on
Pressure
Ultrafiltration is due to bulk flow of blood plasma across fenestrated ciliary capillary endothelium into the ciliary stroma, down
A pressure gradient across a semipermeable membrane (hydrostatic pressure)
If you have a pressure gradient and your IOP increases what will happen to the ultrafiltration
It will decrease because the gradient is made smaller
Relationship between IOP and ultrafiltration?
Lower IOP, higher ultrafiltration into the eye because of pressure gradient
Relation between hydrostatic force and ultrafiltration?
Increasing hydrostatic force will increase the ultrafiltration
Active secretion requires ____ provided by ____.
Requires energy normally provided by hydrolysis of ATP.
AGAINST THE CONCENTRATION GRADIENT
What does active secretion transport?
Na+ is actively transported into the posterior chamber by NPE of the ciliary body. Results in H2O following
Major mechanism for making the AH is
Secretion (not pressure)
Active secretion is pressure ____ at near physiologic IOP (normal IOP)
Insensitive
Ultrafiltration of AH formation is ____ to changes in IOP
Sensitive