Fine Structure of Human Trabeculae

Introduction Although much literature has been published in the past concerning the trabecular meshwork, recent improvements in the technique of electron microscopy, particularly the use of Epon as an embedding medium, have indicated the desirability of additional work in this important area. In 1912, Salzmann's extensive histological study showed that the trabecular meshwork consisted of 2 zones: the uveal trabecular meshwork, which formed a small part of the entire structure, and the corneoscleral trabecular meshwork. Salzmann believed that each corneoscleral trabecula was made up of 4 elements. These included a thick, collagenous core; a thick elastic tissue surrounding the core; a glass membrane; and an endothelial layer which had no borders. He felt that the uveal meshwork differed from the corneoscleral meshwork in lacking elastic fibers and in showing less differentiation between the collagen bundle and the glass membrane. Flocks (1951) showed that each beam of uveal meshwork was circular