STROMA VITREUM Meaning and
Definition
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The term "stroma vitreum" refers to a gel-like substance that fills the space between the lens and the retina within the eyeball. It is commonly known as the vitreous humor or simply the vitreous. The stroma vitreum is transparent and has a jelly-like consistency. It is primarily composed of water along with various substances, such as collagen fibers, hyaluronic acid, and other proteins.
The stroma vitreum functions to maintain the shape of the eyeball and provide support to the surrounding structures. It helps to transmit light that enters the eye towards the retina, where it is converted into electrical signals and sent to the brain for visual perception.
In addition to its mechanical role, the stroma vitreum also acts as a shock absorber, protecting the delicate structures of the eye from any sudden movements or impacts. Furthermore, due to its refractive properties, it assists in focusing light onto the retina, contributing to clear vision.
Despite its crucial role in maintaining visual function, the stroma vitreum can undergo age-related changes and degeneration, becoming more liquefied and less firm. This can lead to conditions such as floaters, where small specks or strands appear to float across the field of vision. In some cases, the stroma vitreum can detach from the retina, leading to a condition known as posterior vitreous detachment (PVD).
Overall, the stroma vitreum is an essential component of the eye, providing both mechanical support and optical functionality crucial for vision.
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The delicate framework of the vitreous body.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for STROMA VITREUM
Etymology of STROMA VITREUM
The word "stroma vitreum" is derived from two Latin words: "stroma" and "vitreum".
- "Stroma" comes from the Greek word "στρῶμα" (strōma), which means "bed or layer". It refers to a supporting framework or structure.
- "Vitreum" comes from the Latin word "vitrum", which means "glass". It is related to the transparent nature of glass.
In the specific context, "stroma vitreum" refers to the vitreous body, a gel-like substance that fills the space between the lens and the retina in the eye. The term indicates the structure's semi-gelatinous and transparent nature, likening it to a glass-like layer or bed.
