Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

In which order does aqueous humor flow through the eye?

1. Ciliary body, anterior chamber, trabecular meshwork, canal of Schlemm

2. Anterior chamber, ciliary body, trabecular meshwork, canal of Schlemm

3. Canal of Schlemm, anterior chamber, ciliary body, trabecular meshwork

4. Ciliary body, trabecular meshwork, canal of Schlemm, anterior chamber

The correct answer is: Ciliary body, anterior chamber, trabecular meshwork, canal of Schlemm

The flow of aqueous humor through the eye follows a specific pathway that is crucial for maintaining intraocular pressure and providing nutrients to the eye. The correct order starts at the ciliary body, which is responsible for the production of aqueous humor. Once produced, the aqueous humor flows into the anterior chamber, the space located between the cornea and the iris. From there, it moves into the trabecular meshwork, a spongy tissue that helps drain the aqueous humor from the eye. Finally, the fluid exits the eye through the canal of Schlemm, which is a circular channel that collects aqueous humor from the trabecular meshwork and returns it to the bloodstream. This flow sequence is vital for the eye's health and function, and any disruption in this pathway can lead to conditions such as glaucoma. Understanding the correct order helps in diagnosing and managing ocular diseases effectively.