Corneal epithelium

Corneal epithelium
Vertical section of human cornea from near the margin. (Waldeyer.) Magnified. Epithelium Anterior elastic lamina substantia propria Posterior elastic lamina Endothelium of the anterior chamber Oblique fibers in the anterior layer of the substantia propria Lamellæ, the fibers of which are cut across, producing a dotted appearance Corneal corpuscles appearing fusiform in section Lamellæ, the fibers of which are cut longitudinally Transition to the sclera, with more distinct fibrillation, and surmounted by a thicker epithelium Small blood vessels cut across near the margin of the cornea
Details
Identifiers
Latin	Epithelium anterius corneae
MeSH	A09.371.060.217.325
Dorlands /Elsevier	e_13/12339086
TA	A15.2.02.018
FMA	58263
Anatomical terminology

The corneal epithelium (epithelium corneæ anterior layer) is made up of epithelial tissue and covers the front of the cornea. It acts as a barrier to protect the cornea, resisting the free flow of fluids from the tears, and prevents bacteria from entering the epithelium and corneal stroma.

The corneal epithelium consists of several layers of cells. The cells of the deepest layer are columnar, known as basal cells. Then follow two or three layers of polyhedral cells, commonly known as wing cells. The majority of these are prickle cells, similar to those found in the stratum mucosum of the cuticle. Lastly, there are three or four layers of squamous cells, with flattened nuclei. The layers of the epithelium are constantly undergoing mitosis. Basal and wing cells migrate to the anterior of the cornea, while squamous cells age and slough off into the tear film.

Cornea cell LASIK complication

Epithelial ingrowth is a LASIK complication in which cells from the cornea surface layer (epithelial cells) begin to grow underneath the corneal flap. Epithelial ingrowth is a rarely occurring LASIK complication, appearing in less than one percent of LASIK procedures. However, the incidence of epithelial ingrowth appears to be higher after subsequent enhancement LASIK procedures. This complication is not present in PRK or other non-flap vision correction procedures.

See also

• Stratified squamous epithelium

Disorders

• Recurrent corneal erosion

External links

• Epithelium Ingrowth After LASIK

Anatomy of the globe of the eye
Fibrous tunic (outer)	Sclera Episcleral layer Schlemm's canal Trabecular meshwork Cornea Limbus layers Epithelium Bowman's Stroma Dua's layer Descemet's Endothelium
Uvea/vascular tunic (middle)	Choroid Capillary lamina of choroid Bruch's membrane Sattler's layer Ciliary body Ciliary processes Ciliary muscle Pars plicata Pars plana Iris Stroma Pupil Iris dilator muscle Iris sphincter muscle
Retina (inner)	Layers Inner limiting membrane Nerve fiber layer Ganglion cell layer Inner plexiform layer Inner nuclear layer Outer plexiform layer Outer nuclear layer External limiting membrane Layer of rods and cones Retinal pigment epithelium Cells Photoreceptor cells (Cone cell, Rod cell) → (Horizontal cell) → Bipolar cell → (Amacrine cell) → Retina ganglion cell (Midget cell, Parasol cell, Bistratified cell, Giant retina ganglion cells, Photosensitive ganglion cell) → Diencephalon: P cell, M cell, K cell, Muller glia Other Macula Perifoveal area Parafoveal area Fovea Foveal avascular zone Foveola Optic disc Optic cup Ora serrata
Anatomical regions of the eye	Anterior segment Adnexa Fibrous tunic Anterior chamber Aqueous humour Iris Posterior chamber Ciliary body Lens Capsule of lens Zonule of Zinn Posterior segment Vitreous chamber Vitreous body Retina Choroid
Other	Keratocytes Ocular immune system Tapetum lucidum Eye care professional Eye disease Refractive error Accommodation Physiological Optics Visual perception