Hydrodynamics of aqueous humor outflow

We present a hydrodynamic model of the aqueous outflow pathway that can, for the first time, account for the generation of outflow resistance based upon anatomical measurements. The hydraulic conductivity of the extracellular matrix in the juxtacanalicular connective tissue (JCT) is determined by combining advanced morphometric techniques with electron microscopy images taken using quick-freeze/deep-etch to preserve ultrastructural detail. A hydrodynamic interaction between pores of the endothelium of Schlemm's canal, breaks in the basement membrane, and this morphometrically-determined hydraulic conductivity lead to predictions that are consistent with experimentally-measured outflow resistances.