Human Structure Virtual Histology
    The Eye, A Specialized Sensory Organ
     
    		 

    The eye is a complex organ of special sense. The eye is derived from an outpocketing of the early embryonic brain and its unique and highly complex structure reflects its origin. In studying a histological section of the eye, one must keep in mind the fact that, in the living state, the anterior portion of the eye is filled with fluid which is being continually produced and absorbed. The animated image to right is courtesy of Loyola University of Chicago, and demonstrates the developmental stages of the human eye.

    The learning objectives for this unit are:

    • Identify and distinguish the three concentric layers of the eyeball histologically.
    • Identify the internal chambers, fluid contents (vitreous and aqueous humors), and associated structures and smooth muscles of the eye.
    • Recognize the microarchitecture of the accessory structures of the eyes; eyelids, conjunctiva, and lacrimal glands.

    Let's now look at some particulars of the eye.