Meaning & use
the uvea
Last updated
Meaning
nounsingulartechnicalmedical
The middle layer of the eye, made up of the iris, ciliary body, and choroid.
Grammar: Always used with 'the' and a singular verb: The uvea is... It has no plural form.
Patterns
- the uvea is ...
- inflammation of the uvea
The uvea lies between the white outer layer of the eye and the retina.
Doctors treated the patient for inflammation of the uvea.
The iris, which gives the eye its color, is part of the uvea.
Common combinations
- inflammation of the uvea
- Inflammation of the uvea can cause pain and blurred vision.
- the uvea is ...
- The uvea is rich in blood vessels.
- part of the uvea
- The ciliary body is part of the uvea.
Synonyms and how they differ
- uveal tract
- A slightly broader term that includes the same three structures; 'the uvea' is the more common medical name.
Word family
- uveitis noun
- Inflammation of the uvea, often causing eye pain and redness.
- uveal adjective
- Relating to the uvea, as in 'uveal tissue'.
Commonly confused: the uvea or retina? the uvea or cornea?
the uvea vs retina
The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye; the uvea is the middle layer, not the back one.
the uvea vs cornea
The cornea is the clear front surface of the eye; the uvea is inside the eye and includes the iris.
Practice
Which part of the eye is part of the uvea?
Choose one answer.
The iris is part of the uvea, along with the ciliary body and choroid. The cornea, retina, and lens are separate structures.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “the uvea”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.