The tissue is spongy and lined by trabeculocytes; it allows fluid to drain into a set of tubes called Schlemm's canal which is lined by endothelium with blood and lymphatic properties that allow aqueous humor to flow into the blood system.

[1] The meshwork is divided up into three parts, with characteristically different ultrastructures: The trabecular meshwork is assisted to a small degree in the drainage of aqueous humour by a second outflow pathway, the uveo-scleral pathway (5-10% of outflow occurs this way).

The uveo-scleral pathway is increased with the use of glaucoma drugs such as prostaglandins (e.g., Xalatan, Travatan).

The trabecular meshwork had previously been thought to arise from a point (apex) corresponding to the termination of the DM (Schwalbe's line) however it is now considered to extend into the cornea, forming the Dua's layer.

When outflow is blocked, interventions such as trabeculectomy, trabeculoplasty, or aqueous shunt may be required to restore it.