Which statement is true about the canal of Schlemm?

• A. It stores tears
• B. It is the drainage pathway for aqueous humor
• C. It produces aqueous humor
• D. It filters blood to nourish the retina

Answer: (B)

Schlemm’s canal is part of the eye’s aqueous humor outflow pathway. Aqueous humor is produced by the ciliary body, flows into the posterior chamber, through the pupil into the anterior chamber, and exits mainly by passing through the trabecular meshwork into Schlemm’s canal. From there, it drains into collector channels and the scleral venous sinus/episcleral veins, helping regulate intraocular pressure. Tears and their drainage involve the lacrimal apparatus, not Schlemm’s canal, and the retina is nourished by its own retinal and choroidal blood supply, not by Schlemm’s canal.