What is the function of the vitreous humor?

What is the function of the vitreous humor?

• A. Maintains intraocular pressure
• B. Regulates pupil diameter
• C. Transmits light to the retina and maintains eye shape
• D. Nourishes the cornea

Answer: (C)

Vitreous humor is the clear gel that fills the main posterior chamber of the eye. Its job is to transmit light to the retina with minimal scattering and to help maintain the eye’s shape, keeping the retina properly supported against the back of the eye. It’s avascular, so it doesn’t nourish the cornea—that nourishment comes from tears and the aqueous humor. Pupil size is controlled by the iris, and intraocular pressure is mainly governed by the production and drainage of aqueous humor. So, the function described—transmitting light to the retina and maintaining eye shape—best fits.

Vitreous humor is the clear gel that fills the main posterior chamber of the eye. Its job is to transmit light to the retina with minimal scattering and to help maintain the eye’s shape, keeping the retina properly supported against the back of the eye. It’s avascular, so it doesn’t nourish the cornea—that nourishment comes from tears and the aqueous humor. Pupil size is controlled by the iris, and intraocular pressure is mainly governed by the production and drainage of aqueous humor. So, the function described—transmitting light to the retina and maintaining eye shape—best fits.