The lens receives its nutrition from which structure?

• A. Vitreous humor
• B. Aqueous humor
• C. Retina
• D. Blood from the ciliary body

Answer: (B)

The lens is avascular, so it relies on diffusion from surrounding fluids for nutrients. The aqueous humor, which bathes the anterior surface of the lens and fills the posterior chamber, supplies these nutrients. Nutrients diffuse across the lens capsule to reach the deeper layers. The vitreous humor is not a significant nutrient source for the lens, and the retina has its own blood supply and support; the lens does not receive nutrients directly from blood. So the structure that provides the nourishment the lens uses is the aqueous humor.