Where is the highest concentration of collagen located in the vitreous?

The highest concentration of collagen in the vitreous is found in the vitreous base. This area is located where the vitreous body attaches to the retina and the ciliary body. The collagen fibers in the vitreous base are densely packed, providing structural support and stability to the attachments between the vitreous and surrounding tissues. This high concentration is essential for maintaining the integrity of these attachments and plays a crucial role in preventing retinal detachment.

In comparison, the medullary vitreous and cortical vitreous have varying densities of collagen. The medullary vitreous, which is the central part of the vitreous body, has a lower concentration of collagen, allowing it to remain more gel-like in consistency. The cortical vitreous lies adjacent to the retina and is less dense than the vitreous base, contributing to the overall structure without the same high level of attachment strength provided by the vitreous base.

This anatomical distinction is important for understanding the physiology of the vitreous and its role in eye health, particularly in relation to retinal stability and potential pathologies.