ABSTRACT
The vitreous is the largest of the ocular structures, occupying the space bounded anteriorly by the lens and the zonules and peripherally by the ciliary body, the retina, and the optic nerve. Embryologically and anatomically, the vitreous is divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary vitreous. Primary vitreous is the first tissue to develop between the primitive lens and the inner layer of the optic cup. Secondary vitreous forms as the fetal fissure closes and the primitive hyalocytes produce collagen fibrils. Tertiary vitreous is the zonular system that maintains the lens in place. The ocular fundus is composed of the retina, the choroid, and the optic nerve head. Hypertension is manifested in the ocular fundus as dilated tortuous vessels, retinal edema, retinal hemorrhages, vitreous hemorrhages, perivasculitis, papilledema, and focal or generalized transudative retinal detachment. In humans, vitrectomy or removal of the vitreous is performed for vitreal hemorrhage and membrane formation.
