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	lacrimal nerve
MeSH	Conjunctiva

Image of a human eye clearly showing the blood vessels of the conjuntiva.

The conjunctiva is a clear membrane that covers the sclera (white part of the eye) and lines the inside of the eyelids.

Contents 1 Function 2 Histology 3 Diseases and disorders 4 See also 5 Additional images 6 References 7 External links

Function

It helps lubricate the eye by producing mucus and tears, although a smaller volume of tears than the lacrimal gland.London Place Eye Center (2003). Conjunctivitis. Retrieved July 25, 2004. It also contributes to immune surveillance and helps to prevent the entrance of microbes into the eye.

Histology

The conjunctiva is typically divided into three parts:

1. Palpebral or tarsal conjunctiva: The conjunctiva lining the eyelids.
2. 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.
3. Bulbar or ocular conjunctiva: The conjunctiva covering the eyeball, over the sclera. This region of the conjunctiva is bound tightly and moves with the eyeball movements.

Diseases and disorders

Main article: List of eye 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.

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).

See also

• Pinguecula
• Pterygium

Additional images

Gray893.png Sagittal section through the upper eyelid.

References

External links

• Medicinenet.com (1999). Conjunctiva. Retrieved July 25, 2004.
• MedEd at Loyola medicine/pulmonar/images/anatomy/eyeli.jpg

v • d • e Sensory system - Visual system - Eye
Fibrous tunic (outer)	Conjunctiva • Sclera  • Schlemm\'s canal • Trabecular meshwork • Limbus Cornea (Epithelium, Bowman\'s, Stroma, Descemet\'s, Endothelium)
Uvea (middle)	Choroid (Ciliary processes, Choriocapillaris, Bruch\'s membrane) • Iris (Stroma)  • Pupil • Ciliary body
Retina (inner)	Macula • Fovea • Optic disc
Anterior segment	Anterior chamber • Aqueous humour • Posterior chamber • Lens
Posterior segment	Vitreous humour • Zonule of Zinn
Intraocular muscles	parasympathetic (Ciliary muscle, Iris sphincter muscle) • sympathetic (Iris dilator muscle)

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