Vitreous body

Corpus vitreum

Sensory (eye & ear)OrgansHeadLeft and right

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What it is

The clear gel that fills the large cavity behind the lens (about 80% of the eye's volume). It is 99% water held in a mesh of collagen fibrils and hyaluronic acid, attached firmly at the ora serrata and optic disc.

Function

Keeps the globe inflated, holds the retina in place and transmits light to it.

Size

Volume ~4 ml; about 16-17 mm from lens to retina.

Clinical note

With age it liquefies and can peel off the retina (posterior vitreous detachment), causing floaters; vitreous samples are used in forensic medicine.