Vegetative Physiology and Biochemistry

The Eye: Volume 1, Vegetative Physiology and Biochemistry is a compendium of papers that describes the physiology of the eye, particularly its gross anatomy and embryology including its intra-ocular fluids, the intra-ocular pressure, the vitreous body, lens, cornea, and sciera. Several papers review the eyeball, the protective apparatus of the eye, the structure of the tissue in relation to the intra-ocular fluids, and the flow of aqueous humor. Several methods can be used to measure the intra-ocular pressure such as the manometric method and the tonometer. Giles (1959) reports that tonometer measurements in the newborn are within the normal adult range. One paper notes that in man, liquefaction of the vitreous body (the clear jelly-like structure which fills the space between retina and lens,) which is caused by dissolution of the fibrous network, is never repaired. This suggests that new fibers are either not formed or are formed in insufficient amounts. Another paper examines the relationship between pressure in the eye vessels and eye tension. Investigators and researches in the fields of physiology, psychology, ophthalmology, and in all branches of ocular physiology will find the compendium very rewarding.