Which contains a higher concentration of protein, aqueous humor or blood plasma?

Study for the NBEO Ocular Physiology Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions to enhance your learning. Prepare effectively for your certification!

The correct answer is that blood plasma contains a higher concentration of protein compared to aqueous humor. Blood plasma is a component of blood that has a significant amount of protein, including albumin, globulins, and fibrinogens, which play critical roles in osmotic balance, immune response, and coagulation processes.

In contrast, aqueous humor, the clear fluid produced by the ciliary body in the eye, has a significantly lower concentration of proteins. This fluid is essential for maintaining intraocular pressure, providing nutrients to the avascular structures of the eye (such as the lens and cornea), and removing metabolic waste. The low protein concentration in aqueous humor is crucial because high protein levels could disrupt clarity and transparency, vital for optimal vision.

In summary, while aqueous humor is crucial for eye health and function, its protein concentration is much lower than that of blood plasma, making blood plasma the correct choice for containing a higher concentration of protein.

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