The term "membrana choriocapillaris" refers to the part of the eye's choroid layer that contains capillaries. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /mɛmˈbreɪnə kɔːrɪoʊkəˈpɪlærɪs/. The word has a few notable features. Firstly, there is the combination of the sounds /mɛ/ and /mˈbreɪ/, which creates a strong emphasis on the word's first syllable. Additionally, the word contains a few consonant clusters, like /kr-/ and /k-/ in the same syllable, which may require careful pronunciation to ensure clarity.
The membrana choriocapillaris is a specialized tissue found in the eye, specifically within the choroid layer. The choroid is a vascular layer located between the retina and the sclera, and it provides nourishment to the outermost layer of the retina, known as the photoreceptor layer.
The membrana choriocapillaris consists of a fine network of interconnected capillaries that form a thin membrane. These capillaries are responsible for supplying oxygen and nutrients to the surrounding retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) as well as the photoreceptor cells. Additionally, they help to remove waste products and maintain the overall health and function of the retina.
The physical structure and arrangement of the membrana choriocapillaris play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy blood-retina barrier. This barrier prevents the entry of harmful substances into the retina and ensures a stable and controlled environment for optimal vision.
In certain ocular pathologies, such as age-related macular degeneration, the integrity and function of the membrana choriocapillaris can become compromised. This can result in the accumulation of abnormal deposits beneath the RPE and the subsequent degeneration of retinal cells, leading to vision loss and other visual disturbances.
Understanding the structure and function of the membrana choriocapillaris is essential for diagnosing and treating various retinal diseases and ensuring the preservation of visual function.
The vascular (inner) layer of the chorioid coat of the eye.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "membrana choriocapillaris" is derived from Latin and partly from Greek. Here is a breakdown of its etymology:
1. Membrana: This Latin word means "membrane" or "sheet".
2. Chorio-: This prefix is derived from the Greek word "chorion", which refers to the outermost fetal membrane, connecting the developing embryo to the placenta.
3. -capillaris: This Latin suffix is derived from the word "capillaris", meaning "capillary", which refers to small blood vessels.
Combining the above elements, "membrana choriocapillaris" refers to a membrane-like structure that is connected to the chorio, the outermost fetal membrane, and is associated with capillaries.