Aqueous humour secreted by the ciliary processes reaches the systemic circulation through a defined route. Which sequence correctly traces this outflow?

• A Ciliary processes, vitreous cavity, hyaloid canal, optic disc, subarachnoid space
• B Anterior chamber, pupil, posterior chamber, vitreous body, central retinal vein
• C Posterior chamber, zonules, canal of Schlemm, trabecular meshwork, cavernous sinus
• D Posterior chamber, pupil, anterior chamber, trabecular meshwork, canal of Schlemm, episcleral veins ✓

Explanation

Aqueous humour is produced by the ciliary processes into the posterior chamber, flows through the pupil into the anterior chamber, then leaves mainly via the trabecular meshwork into the canal of Schlemm, which drains into episcleral and aqueous veins. The key distractor is C: the canal of Schlemm lies peripheral to the trabecular meshwork at the iridocorneal angle, so it cannot receive fluid before the meshwork, and its efferent drainage is to episcleral veins rather than directly to the cavernous sinus.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.

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