hyaloid membrane
Noun: * The Hyaloid Membrane: A transparent, delicate membrane that surrounds and encloses the vitreous humor (the gel-like substance) inside the eyeball, separating it from the retina.
The term "hyaloid membrane" is a specific anatomical term used in medical and biological contexts, particularly in ophthalmology and eye physiology. It is used to describe a precise structure within the eye. * The surgeon was careful not to puncture the hyaloid membrane during the vitrectomy procedure. * In fetal development, the hyaloid membrane surrounds the hyaloid artery, which typically regresses before birth.
- Clinical Relevance: The integrity of the hyaloid membrane is important in eye surgeries and in understanding certain posterior eye diseases. A detached or torn hyaloid membrane can be associated with visual phenomena like floaters.
- Developmental Context: In embryology, it is often discussed in relation to the transient hyaloid vascular system.
- Hyaloid (Adjective): Of, relating to, or resembling glass, especially in transparency. In eye anatomy, it often refers to structures associated with the vitreous body.
- The hyaloid canal is a narrow channel running through the vitreous from the optic disc to the lens.
- Membrana Vitrea: A Latin-derived synonym for the hyaloid membrane.
- Vitreous membrane (Note: This is a common synonym, though in precise anatomy, some texts distinguish between the hyaloid membrane and the vitreous cortex or vitreous membrane.)
The term "hyaloid membrane" has a single, highly specialized meaning in anatomy. It does not have general or figurative meanings outside of its medical context.
- the transparent membrane enveloping the vitreous humor of the eye and separating it from the retina