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Home > Science > What is the Difference Between Aqueous Humor and Vitreous Humor?

Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Aqueous Humor and Vitreous Humor?

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Aqueous humor and vitreous humor are two bodily fluids found in the eyes, which play crucial roles in maintaining the structure and function of the eye. The main differences between them include:

  • Location: Aqueous humor is found between the cornea and the lens of the eye, while vitreous humor is located between the lens and the retina in the posterior segment of the eye.
  • Composition: Both aqueous humor and vitreous humor are mainly composed of water, but they have different additional components. Aqueous humor contains amino acids and electrolytes like sodium and potassium, whereas vitreous humor contains salts, sugars, proteins, collagen, and phagocytes.
  • Consistency: Aqueous humor is aqueous (watery) and moves freely within the eye, while vitreous humor is a clear, jelly-like fluid and is fixed in a reasonable proportion within the eye.
  • Function: Aqueous humor serves as a reflecting medium and maintains intraocular pressure in the eyes, while vitreous humor serves as a refractive medium and contributes to eye protection by controlling its shape and size.
  • Age-related changes: The vitreous humor becomes clearer and more gel-like as you grow older, and in some cases, it may liquefy.
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  • What is the Difference Between Aqueous Humor and Vitreous Humor?
  • Comparative Table: Aqueous Humor vs Vitreous Humor

    • Comparative Table: Aqueous Humor vs Vitreous Humor

    Here is a table comparing the differences between aqueous humor and vitreous humor:

    Feature Aqueous Humor Vitreous Humor
    Definition Aqueous humor is a clear, watery fluid found in the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye. Vitreous humor is a clear, jelly-like fluid found between the lens and the retina in the posterior segment of the eye.
    Function Maintains intraocular pressure in the eyes. Keeps the eyeball healthy by controlling its shape and size.
    Consistency Wet and moves. Does not move since it is fixed in a reasonable proposition.
    Location Found in both the anterior and posterior chambers of the anterior segment of the eye. Found between the lens and the retina in the posterior segment.
    Composition Mainly composed of water, amino acids, and electrolytes like sodium and potassium. Mainly composed of water, proteins, salts (electrolytes), sugar (glycosaminoglycan), and collagen.
    Role in Eye Protection Protects the eyes by preventing dust, germs, and other particles. Contributes to eye protection.
    Role in Vision Serves as a reflecting medium. Serves as a refractive medium.

    Both aqueous humor and vitreous humor are vital for maintaining the health and function of the eyes.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.