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Conjunctiva
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The conjunctiva is a transparent mucous membrane that lines both the inner surface of the eyelids and the anterior surface of the eyeball (except the cornea). It allows the eyelid to move smoothly and freely over the eye, keeping it moist and protecting it from contact injury.
The eyelid and eyeball parts of the conjunctiva form a single continuous lining. The part of the conjunctival membrane lining the eyelid is called the palpebral conjunctiva, while the membrane lining the anterior eye is termed the bulbar conjunctiva. The point at which the palpebral conjunctiva changes to become bulbar, a deep fold, or recess, is formed called the conjunctival fornix. The space between the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva is called the conjunctival sac.
The epithelium of the conjunctiva is non-keratinized and varies according to the location, ranging from stratified squamous to stratified columnar epithelium. Goblet cells, melanocytes, lymphocytes and Langerhans cells are also present in the conjunctival epithelium.
| Terminology |
English: Conjunctiva Latin: Tunica conjunctiva |
| Additional terms |
English: Bulbar conjunctiva Latin: Tunica conjunctiva bulbi oculi English: Palpebral conjunctiva Latin: Tunica conjunctiva palpebrae English: Superior conjunctival fornix Latin: Fornix superior conjunctivae English: Inferior conjunctival fornix Latin: Fornix inferior conjunctivae English: Conjunctival sac Latin: Saccus conjunctivalis |
| Definition | Transparent mucous membrane lining the eyelid and eyeball |
| Function |
Permits smooth free movement of the eyelid over the eyeball Keeps the eyeball moist Protects the eyeball from contact injury Contains blood vessels |
Learn more about the anatomy of the eye with this study unit:
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Test your knowledge on the eyelids and tunica conjunctiva with this quiz.
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