Choriocapillaris

Microstructure

The choroidal blood vessels can be divided into two categories: the choriocapillaris, and the larger caliber arteries and veins that lie just posterior to the choriocapillaris (these can easily be seen in an albino fundus because there is minimal pigment obscuring the vessels). The choriocapillaris forms a single layer of anastomosing, fenestrated capillaries having wide lumina with most of the fenestrations facing toward the retina. The lumen is approximately three to four times that of ordinary capillaries, such that two or three red blood cells can pass through the capillary abreast, whereas in ordinary capillaries the cells usually course single file. The cell membrane is reduced to a single layer at the fenestrations, facilitating the movement of material through the vessel walls. Occasional (pericyte)s (Rouget cells), which may have a contractile function, are found around the capillary wall. Pericytes have the ability to alter local blood flow. The choriocapillaris is densest in the macular area, where it is the sole blood supply for a small region of the retina. The choriocapillaris is unique to the choroid and does not continue into the ciliary body.