Iridal part of retina
Pars iridica retinae
- Synonym: Iridial part of retina
- Related terms: Iridial part of retina; Nonvisual retina: Iridial part of retina
Definition
The iridal part of the nonvisual retina covers the posterior surface of the iris.
Like the ciliary part, it is composed of two epithelial layers; however, both layers are heavily pigmented, reflecting their role in light absorption and prevention of light scattering within the eye. Importantly, the anterior epithelial layer differentiates into myoepithelial cells, which give rise to the dilator pupillae muscle.
Unlike the ciliary part, the iridal part of retina does not participate in aqueous humour production. It presents a relatively smooth surface and lacks the folded architecture seen within the ciliary part due to the ciliary processes.
References
Standring, S. (Ed.). (2015). Eye (Chapter 42). In Gray's anatomy: The anatomical basis of clinical practice (41st ed., pp. 686-696). Churchill Livingstone.
