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vitreous body
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Cross-sectional medical illustration of an eye showing retinal detachment, with labeled parts including the vitreous body, retina, choroid, sclera, retinal break, and area of detached retina. Diagram of a horizontal section of the human eye showing labeled parts including the cornea, iris, lens, retina, sclera, optic nerve, and blood vessels, with internal structures and muscles visible. Figure 1: General structure of the mammalian eye.
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vitreous body

anatomy
Also known as: vitreous humor, vitreous humour
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Cross-sectional medical illustration of an eye showing retinal detachment, with labeled parts including the vitreous body, retina, choroid, sclera, retinal break, and area of detached retina.
Retinal detachment.

The vitreous body is a clear, jelly-like substance that fills the large cavity of the eye behind the lens. It is composed of about 98% water, with small amounts of collagen and hyaluronic acid. The vitreous body is likely secreted by cells in the retina and helps keep the retina pressed against the choroid. Unlike the lens, it is generally without cells, though specialized cells called hyalocytes may be involved in its maintenance. The vitreous body, along with the aqueous humor and crystalline lens, are the transparent media of the eye that light passes through to reach the retina.12345

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
8 Britannica Sources
  1. human eye - The vitreous body
  2. vitreous humor
  3. human eye - General description
  4. human eye - The aqueous humour
  5. eye disease - Inherited retinal degenerations and age-related macular degeneration
  6. human aging - Vision
  7. eye disease - Arteriosclerosis and vascular hypertension
  8. human eye - The crystalline lens

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