| 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 |
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 |
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.
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] |
The conjunctiva consists of nonkeratinized squamous epithelium.
Disorders 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]
|
||||||||||||||||||||
