- Conjunctiva
-
Conjunctiva 
The upper half of a sagittal section through the front of the eyeball. (Label for 'Conjunctiva' visible at center-left.) 
Horizontal section of the eyeball. (Conjunctiva labeled at upper left.) Gray's subject #227 1026 Artery lacrimal artery, anterior ciliary arteries Nerve supratrochlear nerve MeSH Conjunctiva 
Image of a human eye clearly showing the blood vessels of the conjunctiva.
Hyperemia of the superficial blood vessels of the conjunctiva.The conjunctiva covers the sclera (white part of the eye) and lines the inside of the eyelids. It is composed of rare stratified columnar epithelium.
Contents
Function
The conjunctiva helps lubricate the eye by producing mucus and tears, although a smaller volume of tears than the lacrimal gland.[1] It also contributes to immune surveillance and helps to prevent the entrance of microbes into the eye.
Gross anatomy
The conjunctiva is typically divided into three parts:
Part Area Palpebral or tarsal conjunctiva lines the eyelids Bulbar or ocular conjunctiva covers the eyeball, over the sclera. This region of the conjunctiva is tightly bound to the underlying sclera by Tenon's capsule and moves with the eyeball movements. Fornix conjunctiva Forms the junction between the bulbar and palpebral conjunctivas. It is loose and flexible, allowing the free movement of the lids and eyeball. .[2] Histology
The conjunctiva consists of nonkeratinized squamous epithelium.
Diseases and disorders
Main article: List of eye diseases and disordersDisorders of the conjunctiva and cornea are a common source of eye complaints.
The surface of the eye is exposed to various external influences and is especially susceptible to trauma, infections, chemical irritation, allergic reactions and dryness.
The conjunctiva can become inflamed secondary to bacterial infection. The resultant condition is known as conjunctivitis and commonly referred to as pinkeye.
Conjunctival irritation can occur for a wide variety of reasons including dry eye and overexposure to VOCs (Volatile organic compounds).
With age, the conjunctiva can stretch and loosen from the underlying sclera, leading to the formation of conjunctival folds, a condition known as conjunctivochalasis.[3][4]
See also
Additional images
-
Sagittal section through the upper eyelid.
References
- ^ London Place Eye Center (2003). Conjunctivitis. Retrieved July 25, 2004.
- ^ Eye, human Encyclopaedia Britannica
- ^ http://www.medilexicon.com/medicaldictionary.php?t=19916
- ^ WL Hughes Conjunctivochalasis. American Journal of Ophthalmology 1942
External links
- Medicinenet.com (1999). Conjunctiva. Retrieved July 25, 2004.
- MedEd at Loyola medicine/pulmonar/images/anatomy/eyeli.jpg
Head and neck anatomy – accessory visual structures (TA 15.2.7, TH H3.11.08.6, GA 10.1021) Eyelid Tarsus (Meibomian pelicle) • Medial palpebral ligament • Epicanthic fold • Meibomian gland • Ciliary glands • Eyelash
Gland of ZeisLacrimal apparatus Lacrimal lake • Lacrimal gland • Lacrimal canaliculi • Lacrimal punctum • Lacrimal papilla • Nasolacrimal duct • Lacrimal sac • Lacrimal caruncle • Krause's glandsOther Periorbita • Orbital septum • Tenon's capsule • Suspensory ligament of eyeball
Conjunctiva (Plica semilunaris)
Extraocular muscles (Trochlea of superior oblique)M: EYE
anat(g/a/p)/phys/devp/prot
noco/cong/tumr, epon
proc, drug(S1A/1E/1F/1L)
Categories:- Eye anatomy
- Eye stubs
-
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
