Conjunctiva
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| Conjunctiva | |
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| The upper half of a sagittal section through the front of the eyeball. (Label for 'Conjunctiva' visible at center-left.) | |
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| Horizontal section of the eyeball. (Conjunctiva labeled at upper left.) | |
| Gray's | subject #227 1026 |
| Artery | lacrimal artery, anterior ciliary arteries |
| Nerve | lacrimal nerve |
| MeSH | Conjunctiva |
The conjunctiva is a membrane that covers the sclera (white part of the eye) and lines the inside of the eyelids.
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[edit] Function
It helps lubricate the eye by producing mucus and tears, although a smaller volume of tears than the lacrimal gland.[1]
[edit] Histology
The conjunctiva is typically divided into three parts:
- Palpebral or tarsal conjunctiva: The conjunctiva lining the eyelids.
- Fornix conjunctiva: The conjunctiva where the inner part of the eyelids and the eyeball meet, the palpebral conjunctiva is reflected at the superior fornix and the inferior fornix to become the bulbar conjunctiva.
- Bulbar or ocular conjunctiva: The conjunctiva covering the eyeball, over the cornea and sclera. This region of the conjunctiva is bound tightly and moves with the eyeball movements. (The bulbar conjunctiva does NOT cover the cornea - edit).
[edit] Diseases and disorders
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 suspectible to trauma, infections, and allergic reactions.
Degeneration and dystrophia are less common causes of problems.
The conjunctiva is best known because of its inflamed state, conjunctivitis (more commonly known as pinkeye).
Conjunctival irritation is one of the adverse health effects that can take place after overexposure to VOCs (Volatile organic compounds).
[edit] See also
[edit] Additional images
 Sagittal section through the upper eyelid. |
[edit] References
- ^ London Place Eye Center (2003). Conjunctivitis. Retrieved July 25, 2004.
[edit] External links
- Medicinenet.com (1999). Conjunctiva. Retrieved July 25, 2004.
- MedEd at Loyola medicine/pulmonar/images/anatomy/eyeli.jpg
Fibrous tunic: Conjunctiva | Sclera | Cornea | Schlemm's canal | Trabecular meshwork
Uvea: Choroid (Ciliary processes) | Iris | Pupil | Ciliary body
Retina : Macula | Fovea | Optic disc
Anterior segment (Anterior chamber, Aqueous humour, Posterior chamber, Lens) | Posterior segment (Vitreous humour, Zonular fibers, Zonule of Zinn )
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