OPTHALMOLOGY - DISEASES OF THE UVEAL TRACT ( Animated ) Dr Bhanu Prakash

The uveal tract

The uveal tract is a vascular layer of tissue—that is, a layer rich in blood vessels—lying next to the inner surface of the sclera. It is divided into three structures: the choroid, a highly vascular layer that supplies blood to the outer layers of the retina; the ciliary body, a largely muscular tissue, which contracts and relaxes to alter the focusing of the lens; and the iris, the coloured part of the eye, which forms the adjustable aperture of the eye, the pupil. The ciliary body, which lies behind and at the base of the iris, also functions by forming the aqueous humour, the production and drainage of which regulate intraocular pressure. The aqueous humour also is the source of nutrition to the lens and cornea, which are avascular (without blood vessels).