[Gross anatomy of the vitreous body (author's transl)]

Abstract

The anatomical arrangement of vitreous structures in human and animal eyes is described on the basis of coinciding findings of histological examinations, biomicroscopy and the "optical dissection" of unfixed vitreous specimens. The "funnel" of the primary vascular vitreous disappears completely during development. The vitreous cavity is filled with secondary vitreous. Its structure in nearly homogeneous, containing "holes" of low density at all sites where the structure of a normal inner retinal surface is altered. During postnatal development the secondary vitreous forms a new funnel system, consisting of zones of different density and of membranelles (vitreous tracts). Before completion of this funnel system, destruction of the vitreous gel begins and confuses the typical arrangement. Postnatal vitreous structures include: zones of different density: preretinal zone, intermediary zone, retrolental zone; holes (of low density): prepapillary hole, prefoveal hole, prevascular fissures, vitreous tracts (of high density): preretinal tract, median tract, coronary tract, retrolental tract ("hyaloid" tract). The pattern of the "holes" strongly suggests that the framework is formed by retinal elements.