Schlemm Canal

Schematic cross-section through a human eye - Schlemm's Canal is represented by dark blue dots

The Schlemm Canal (also: Schlemm's Canal , Sinus venosus sclerae , Plexus venosus sclerae ) , named after its discoverer, the German doctor and anatomist Friedrich Schlemm , is an annular collecting tube in the eye . It is located in the scleral part of the chamber angle (iridocorneal angle) and forms the central drainage path for the aqueous humor . There are connections to episcleral veins via numerous small drainage channels . The canal itself is endothelial, but not a blood vessel. Between Schlemm's canal and the anterior corner of the eye, there is a close-knit network, the trabecular system, through whose cleft spaces ( Fontana spaces ) the aqueous humor can drain into the canal.

The regulation of intraocular pressure results from the ratio of aqueous humor production to its outflow, which is regulated by the resistance of the trabecular system. If this is not ensured or disturbed, can cause an increase in intraocular pressure, leading to glaucoma ( glaucoma may result). The increased pressure inside the eye can damage the optic nerve head and lead to blindness in the patient.

literature

• Albert J. Augustin: Ophthalmology. 3rd, completely revised and expanded edition. Springer, Heidelberg et al. 2007, ISBN 978-3-540-30454-8 .

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Walther Graumann, Dieter Sasse (Ed.): Compact Textbook Anatomy, Vol. 4: Sensory systems, skin, CNS, peripheral pathways . Schattauer Verlag, 2005, page 25. ISBN 978-3-7945-2064-0 .
2. ^ Franz Grehn: Ophthalmology. Springer Verlag 2013, page 334. ISBN 9783662059180 .

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !