2020–2021 BCSC Basic and Clinical Science Course™
2 Fundamentals and Principles of Ophthalmology
Part IV: Biochemistry and Metabolism
Chapter 11: Vitreous
Composition
Hyalocytes
Under normal physiologic conditions, the vitreous cavity has very few cells. The predominant cell type identified is the hyalocyte (Fig 11-4). The highest concentration of these cells occurs at the vitreous base and in the posterior cortical vitreous. Hyalocytes possess phagocytic properties, process antigens, and thereby regulate the immunologic response within the vitreous cavity. A process similar to anterior chamber–associated immune deviation (ACAID) occurs in the vitreous cavity (VCAID) and is likely mediated by hyalocytes.
Excerpted from BCSC 2020-2021 series: Section 2 - Fundamentals and Principles of Ophthalmology. For more information and to purchase the entire series, please visit https://www.aao.org/bcsc.