Fundus (eye)

Fundus (eye)

The Fundus of the eye is the interior surface of the eye, opposite the lens, and includes the retina, optic disc, macula, fovea, and posterior pole (the central area of the fundus). The fundus can be examined by ophthalmoscopy and/or fundus photography.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The fundus is the only part of the human body where the microcirculation can be observed directly. The four main components of the fundus are the retina, optic disc, macula, and the posterior pole.

Retina[edit | edit source]

The retina is the innermost, light-sensitive layer of tissue of the eye. Its photosensitive cells, rods and cones, convert light into electrical signals, which are sent to the brain via the optic nerve.

Optic Disc[edit | edit source]

The optic disc or optic nerve head is the point of exit for ganglion cell axons leaving the eye. It is also the entry point for the major blood vessels that supply the retina.

Macula[edit | edit source]

The macula is an oval-shaped pigmented area near the center of the retina. It is responsible for central, high-resolution color vision that is possible in good light.

Posterior Pole[edit | edit source]

The posterior pole is the central area of the fundus, which includes the macula, the fovea, and the optic disc.

Examination[edit | edit source]

The fundus can be examined by ophthalmoscopy and/or fundus photography. These examinations can reveal important information about the health of the retina, optic disc, and underlying systemic diseases.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Changes in the appearance of the fundus may indicate the presence of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Regular fundus examinations are important for early detection and treatment of these conditions.

File:Fundus of human eye.jpg

Fundus of human eye