The correct spelling of the term "vitreous humor" is pronounced as \ˈvɪtriəs ˈhjuːmə(r)\. It is used to refer to the clear, jelly-like substance filling the eyeball between the lens and the retina. This word is derived from the Latin word vitreus, which means glassy or transparent, and the word humor, which means fluid or liquid. The word vitreous humor is commonly misspelled as vitrious humor. However, the correct spelling should always include the letter e between the letters i and o.
Vitreous humor refers to a clear, gel-like substance that fills the space between the lens and the retina in the eyeball. It plays a vital role in maintaining the shape of the eyeball and aiding in the proper functioning of the visual system. Composed mainly of water, the vitreous humor also contains a network of fibers that provide structural support.
This viscous substance helps to maintain the proper pressure within the eyeball, allowing it to retain its shape and function optimally. It also acts as a cushion, protecting the delicate structures of the eye, such as the retina, from external mechanical shocks. Moreover, the transparent nature of the vitreous humor allows it to transmit and refract light, aiding in the visual process.
In addition to its supportive and optical functions, the vitreous humor also acts as a medium for the transport of nutrients and waste products within the eye. It supplies essential nourishment to the lens and the retina, ensuring their proper functioning and health. Furthermore, it assists in removing metabolic waste products generated by the cells of the eye.
Changes that occur in the vitreous humor over time, such as liquefaction or the formation of clumps or floaters, can affect vision and may be associated with age-related eye conditions. Disorders related to the vitreous humor can cause symptoms like blurred or distorted vision, flashes of light, or the perception of dark spots or cobwebs in the visual field. In some cases, surgical interventions may be required to address these issues and restore visual acuity.
(1) See under v. body; (2) endolymph.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "vitreous" comes from the Latin word "vitreus" which means "glassy" or "resembling glass". The term "humor" is derived from the Latin word "humor", meaning "liquid" or "moisture". Therefore, "vitreous humor" literally translates to "glassy liquid" or "glassy moisture". This term is used to describe the gel-like substance that fills the eyeball behind the lens.