uveal tract
Pronunciation: YOO-vee-al trakt
The vascular middle layer of the eye comprising the iris, ciliary body, and choroid, which is the primary site of ocular melanomas.
Full Definition
The uveal tract consists of three anatomically continuous structures forming the eye's vascular middle layer: the iris (anterior), ciliary body (intermediate), and choroid (posterior). This pigmented, highly vascularized tissue provides nutrition to the outer retinal layers and regulates intraocular pressure. In ocular oncology, the uveal tract is clinically significant as the primary site of melanoma development in adults. Melanomas can arise from any portion of the uveal tract, with choroidal location being most common, followed by ciliary body and iris involvement.
Usage
Usage note: Can be shortened to 'uvea' in many contexts, but 'uveal tract' is preferred in formal oncology documentation.
In Context
- "The tumor showed extensive involvement of the posterior uveal tract." — Pathology report
- "Uveal tract melanomas have distinct genetic profiles compared to cutaneous melanomas." — Molecular genetics study