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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2021 Jul 21.
Published in final edited form as: Prog Retin Eye Res. 2020 Nov 17;83:100917. doi: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100917

Fig. 9. Connections attach the Schlemm’s inner wall to the trabecular lamellae.

Fig. 9.

(A) Cytoplasmic processes (black arrows) of juxtaeanalieular cells (asterisks) in the juxtaeanalieular space (JCS) link Schlemm’s canal endothelium (SCE) to the underlying trabecular beams of the trabecular meshwork (TM). (B) Arrows depict the source of the pressure gradient originating from the anterior chamber (AC). SCE cell cytoplasmic processes attach to juxtaeanalieular cell processes. Juxtaeanalieular cell processes also attach to cytoplasmic processes arising from the endothelium covering the trabecular lamellae. This arrangement provides a mechanism anchoring the inner wall endothelium of Schlemm’s canal to the lamellae. Intertrabecular cytoplasmic processes also maintain contact between adjacent lamellae. The continuous pressure gradient between the AC and SC permits the cytoplasmic attachments to tensionally integrate the structural elements of the trabecular meshwork, providing tissue and cellular prestress. (A) Tissue source: Human. From Johnstone M. The aqueous outflow system as a mechanical pump: evidence from examination of tissue and aqueous movement in human and non-human primates. From: (A) J Glaucoma 13, 421–438.