The vitreous body is a transparent, gel-like structure that fills the space between the lens and the retina in the posterior segment of the eyeball. It occupies about 80% of the eyeball, making it the largest structure within it. Its volume is about 0.135 oz (4 milliliters).

The vitreous body is surrounded by a delicate, transparent outer layer called the vitreous membrane. It is composed mainly of densely packed collagen fibrils. Anteriorly, it is related to the posterior surface of the lens and the ciliary body.

The substance that fills the vitreous body is called the vitreous humor. It is composed mainly of water (98-99%), along with collagen fibers and hyaluronic acid, which give it a gel-like consistency. The vitreous humor liquefies with aging. The vitreous body does not contain any blood vessels or nerve cells, and it receives nutrients from the aqueous humor and retinal vessels.

The vitreous body is not homogeneous, but it consists of several areas with different densities and compositions. The outer portion that is closest to the retina is the vitreous cortex. It is located between the vitreous membrane and the vitreous nucleus, which is the central, relatively loosely organized portion. The vitreous cortex is dense with variable thickness. However, denser than the cortex is the vitreous base, which overlies the ora serrata. Additionally, the vitreous body is the most closely connected with the retina at the vitreous base, macula, and optic disc.

The anterior surface of the vitreous body contains a cup-shaped depression called the hyaloid or patellar fossa, which accommodates the posterior aspect of the lens. Posteriorly, the vitreous body is closely applied to the inner aspect of the retina.

A narrow canal, the hyaloid canal (canal of Cloquet or Stilling's canal), goes through the center of the vitreous body from the posterior surface of the lens to the optic disc. It represents a fetal remnant filled with lymph-like fluid. During the fetal period, it transmits the hyaloid artery to the lens. The posterior termination of the hyaloid canal forms a funnel-shaped region known as the area of Martegiani. It overlies the optic disc.

There is a potential shallow space within the hyaloid fossa directly behind the lens. It is called the Berger's space or retrolental space of Erggelet. This space is bounded by the posterior aspect of the lens capsule anteriorly and the anterior aspect of the vitreous body posteriorly. It contains a small amount of fluid, allowing the lens to move smoothly during accommodation. The hyaloid canal arises from this space.

In the periphery, the Berger's space is enclosed by the hyaloideocapsular ligament (Wieger's ligament) - a strong band that attaches the lens to the vitreous body. This ligament forms a firm ring-shaped adhesion around the space, and this line of adhesion is often called the “Egger's line.”

One of the main functions of the vitreous body is to maintain the shape of the eyeball. It also holds the retina and its layers in place by pushing them toward the choroid, thereby stabilizing them. It transmits light to the retina with minimal distortion, thanks to its transparency. Additionally, the vitreous body acts as a shock absorber, protecting delicate intraocular tissues. And finally, it protects and supports the lens.

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Vitreous body