5.2 Retinal Vasculature
Summary
The retina is among the most metabolically active tissues in the body and therefore its oxygen demand is quite high. A constant supply of oxygen must be available to the cells of the retina; however, a dense vascular network anterior to the photoreceptors would interfere with light transmission to these cells. To circumvent this potential interference, the outer portion of the retina receives almost all of its oxygen via the choroidal microcirculation, which is situated just behind the retinal tissue.
Quiz Module 5.2
To validate your answers and keep track of your progress please sign in or register a new account
1. True or False: One of the primary drivers of new retinal blood vessel growth is the low oxygen demand of the retina.
2. What are some retinal cell types that are affected by hyperglycemia?
3. In order to solve the anatomic problem of blood vessels interfering with light transmission, oxygen is fed to the retina through: