CoursesHistologyBody systemsEye and earCornea and ciliary body

Cornea and ciliary body

Learning objectives

After completing this study unit you will be able to:

Learn about the structure of the cornea and ciliary body.
Appreciate their relation to other ocular structures.
Understand how their morphology has a determining role in their function.

Browse atlas

The cornea is a transparent circular layer that covers the pupil, iris and anterior chamber of the eye. Histologically, it is composed of proteins and cells organized into 5 layers, ranging from superficial to deep: stratified corneal epithelium, Bowman's membrane, proper substance (corneal stroma), Descemet's membrane and corneal endothelium.

The ciliary body forms a complete ring around the iris. In cross section, the ciliary body is triangular in shape. The ciliary body is made up of 3 parts: ciliary epithelium, ciliary stroma and ciliary muscle.