Bergmeister's papilla arises from the centre of the optic disc, consists of a small tuft of fibrous tissue and represents a remnant of the fetal

hyaloid artery The hyaloid artery is a branch of the ophthalmic artery, which is itself a branch of the internal carotid artery. It is contained within the optic stalk of the eye and extends from the optic disc through the vitreous humor to the lens. Usually f ...

The hyaloid artery provides nutrition to the

lens A lens is a transmissive optical device which focuses or disperses a light beam by means of refraction. A simple lens consists of a single piece of transparent material, while a compound lens consists of several simple lenses (''elements''), ...

during development in the fetus, and runs forward to the lens from the optic disc. The optic disc is covered by a plaque of fibrous cells called the

central supporting tissue meniscus of Kuhnt Central is an adjective usually referring to being in the center of some place or (mathematical) object. Central may also refer to: Directions and generalised locations * Central Africa, a region in the centre of Africa continent, also known as ...

. This plaque forms a fibrous sheath around the hyaloid artery where it leaves the optic disc. At birth the hyaloid artery regresses, and is normally completely regressed by the time of eyelid opening. Bergmeister's papilla is a remnant of the hyaloid artery fibrous sheath and is frequently observed as an incidental clinical finding.Samuelson DA (2007). Veterinary Ophthalmology 4th ed. Ames, Iowa: Blackwell Publishing. p132 Bergmeister's papilla is named after Austrian ophthalmologist O. Bergmeister (1845–1918).

References

Human eye anatomy {{eye-stub