Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

Which structure regulates the flow of aqueous humor into the anterior chamber?

1. Trabecular meshwork

2. Ciliary body

3. Canal of Schlemm

4. Cornea

The correct answer is: Trabecular meshwork

The trabecular meshwork plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of aqueous humor into the anterior chamber of the eye. It is a spongy tissue located near the junction of the cornea and the iris, and it facilitates the drainage of aqueous humor that is produced by the ciliary body. This structure consists of a mesh-like network of fibers that filter the aqueous humor before it enters the canal of Schlemm. While the ciliary body is responsible for the production of aqueous humor, it is not directly involved in regulating its flow into the anterior chamber. The canal of Schlemm is important for the outflow of aqueous humor, but it is downstream from the trabecular meshwork in the drainage pathway. The cornea does not play a role in the regulation of aqueous humor flow; it is primarily involved in light refraction and vision. Thus, the trabecular meshwork is the structure that is tasked with effectively managing the intraocular pressure by regulating how much aqueous humor enters the anterior chamber, making it the correct answer.