What is the primary polysaccharide found in the vitreous body?

The primary polysaccharide found in the vitreous body is hyaluronic acid, which plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure and function of the vitreous humor. Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan that contributes to the gel-like consistency of the vitreous body, which is essential for providing support to the retina and maintaining the shape of the eyeball. Its high water-binding capacity allows it to retain moisture, thereby helping to maintain the vitreous fluid's viscosity and transparency, both of which are vital for proper visual function.

In the context of the other polysaccharides listed, glycogen serves primarily as an energy storage molecule in animals, chitin is a structural component commonly found in the exoskeleton of arthropods and cell walls of fungi, and cellulose is a structural component in plant cell walls. None of these fulfill the specific role that hyaluronic acid plays in the vitreous body, highlighting its unique importance in ocular biology.