The anatomy and fine structure of the eye in teleost. II. The vascular connections of the lentiform body in Fundulus grandis.
Abstract The lentiform body is found in association with the choroid body in the back of teleost eyes. It probably helps to maintain the elevated oxygen tension which has already been produced by the choroid body-choriocapillaris complex. The body contains interdigitating afferent and efferent capillary beds (rete mirabile) which, by counter-current exchange, could have such a conservation effect. It has been reported that lentiform bodies are found only in connection with falciform processes. However, in Fundulus there is no falciform process and the body connects to the hyaloid vessels which in turn supply blood to the retractor lentis muscle and to the vitreous humor at the retinal surface. The lentiform body delivers no blood to the choriocapillaris, but, oddly enough, its venous counter-current blood is supplied by the choriocapillaris.