How is aqueous humor formed and drained in the eye?

Aqueous humor is an essential fluid in the eye that is primarily formed by the ciliary body, which is located behind the iris. The ciliary body contains specialized cells that secrete this clear fluid, maintaining intraocular pressure and providing nutrients to the avascular structures of the eye, such as the lens and cornea.

Once the aqueous humor is produced, it flows through the pupil into the anterior chamber of the eye. It subsequently drains through the iridocorneal angle, which is the area where the iris and cornea meet. This drainage occurs through the trabecular meshwork and into the Schlemm’s canal, ultimately returning the fluid to the systemic circulation. This process ensures that there is a continuous circulation of aqueous humor, which is crucial for maintaining eye health and function.

The other options do not accurately describe the physiological processes involved in the formation and drainage of aqueous humor. For example, the iris does not produce aqueous humor directly, nor does the retina generate it. Additionally, the anterior chamber is not where the humor is produced; it is where the humor resides after being created by the ciliary body. Proper understanding of this process is vital for diagnosing and treating various eye conditions that may arise from imbalances in aqueous humor