Physiology: conventional aqueous outflow: practice question

A Ophthalmology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Ophthalmology · Physiology: conventional aqueous outflow

Sample item

In the conventional outflow pathway, aqueous leaves the anterior chamber by which route?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Trabecular meshwork, Schlemm canal, collector channels, episcleral veins

About 80 to 90 percent of aqueous leaves via the trabecular meshwork, Schlemm canal, collector channels and episcleral veins. The uveoscleral pathway through the ciliary muscle accounts for most of the rest. Outflow depends on episcleral venous pressure.

Option by option

  • A. Corneal endothelium into the tear film

    The corneal endothelium does not drain aqueous.

  • B. Iris stroma and anterior vitreous face

    The iris and vitreous face are not outflow routes for aqueous.

  • C. Ciliary muscle and suprachoroidal space, then vortex veins

    This is the uveoscleral route, which is the unconventional pathway.

  • D. Trabecular meshwork, Schlemm canal, collector channels, episcleral veins (correct)

    Correct. This is the conventional route.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Ophthalmology questions

Questions about this Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is D, Trabecular meshwork, Schlemm canal, collector channels, episcleral veins. About 80 to 90 percent of aqueous leaves via the trabecular meshwork, Schlemm canal, collector channels and episcleral veins.

Why is "Corneal endothelium into the tear film" not the answer?

The corneal endothelium does not drain aqueous.

Why is "Iris stroma and anterior vitreous face" not the answer?

The iris and vitreous face are not outflow routes for aqueous.

Why is "Ciliary muscle and suprachoroidal space, then vortex veins" not the answer?

This is the uveoscleral route, which is the unconventional pathway.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Physiology: conventional aqueous outflow in Ophthalmology. The uveoscleral pathway through the ciliary muscle accounts for most of the rest. Outflow depends on episcleral venous pressure.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Physiology: conventional aqueous outflow?

Group the red eye by what to examine and what the pupil does. Then use the flashcards and the other Ophthalmology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.