Anatomy Practice Exam

What is the primary function of the vitreous humor in the eye?

1. To help focus light

2. To provide structure and shape

3. To filter harmful rays

4. To produce tears

The correct answer is: To provide structure and shape

The vitreous humor, a gel-like substance that fills the space between the lens and the retina in the eye, primarily serves to provide structure and shape to the eyeball. Its consistency helps maintain the eye’s spherical shape, ensuring that the retina remains properly positioned against the inner wall of the eye. This is crucial for optimal visual function, as any displacement of the retina can lead to vision problems. The vitreous humor also has a role in supporting the retina, as it acts as a cushion that helps absorb shocks and protect the internal structures of the eye. Its transparent nature allows light to pass through to the retina without obstruction, although it does not directly contribute to the focusing of light, which is primarily the function of the cornea and lens. In contrast, other options describe functions that are not associated with the vitreous humor. For example, focusing light primarily involves the cornea and the lens, while filtering harmful rays relates to the lens and cornea’s capacity to manage specific wavelengths of light. Similarly, tear production is the function of the lacrimal glands, not the vitreous humor. Thus, the role of the vitreous humor in providing structural integrity and shape is its defining characteristic.