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Bowman's membrane

 
Medical Dictionary: limiting layer of cornea
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n.
  1. A basement membrane that lies between the outer layer of stratified epithelium and the proper substance of the cornea; anterior limiting layer of the cornea. Also called Bowman's membrane.
  2. A basement membrane that lies between the proper substance and the endothelial layer of the cornea; posterior limiting layer of the cornea. Also called Descemet's membrane, elastic lamina of cornea, elastic layer of cornea, entocornea, vitreous membrane.
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Wikipedia: Bowman's membrane
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Bowman's membrane
Vertical section of human cornea from near the margin. (Waldeyer.) Magnified.
1. Epithelium.
2. Anterior elastic lamina.
3. substantia propria.
4. Posterior elastic lamina.
5. Endothelium of the anterior chamber.
a. Oblique fibers in the anterior layer of the substantia propria.
b. Lamellæ the fibers of which are cut across, producing a dotted appearance.
c. Corneal corpuscles appearing fusiform in section.
d. Lamellæ the fibers of which are cut longitudinally.
e. Transition to the sclera, with more distinct fibrillation, and surmounted by a thicker epithelium.
f. Small bloodvessels cut across near the margin of the cornea.
Latin l. limitans anterior corneae
Gray's subject #225 1008
MeSH Bowman+membrane

The Bowman's membrane (Bowman's layer, anterior limiting lamina, anterior elastic lamina) is a smooth layer in the eye. It is located between the front epithelium and the stroma in the cornea. It is composed of strong collagen fibers and helps the cornea maintain its shape. If the Bowman's membrane is damaged, scarring would normally occur.

In adult humans, this layer is 8-12 μm thick.[1]

Bowman's layer is absent in cats, dogs, and other carnivores.[2]

The Bowman's membrane is named after Sir William Bowman (1816 - 1892), an English physician, anatomist and ophthalmologist, who discovered this membrane.

See also

References

  1. ^ Hogan MJ, Alvarado JA, Weddell E: Histology of the Human Eye. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 1971
  2. ^ Merindano MD; Costa J; Canals M; Potau JM, and Ruano D. "A comparative study of Bowman's layer in some mammals: Relationships with other constituent corneal structures." European Journal of Anatomy. Volume 6, Number 3, December 2002.

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Sensory system – visual system – eye
Fibrous tunic (outer)
1: posterior compartment 2: ora serrata 3: ciliary muscle 4: ciliary zonules 5: canal of Schlemm 6: pupil 7: anterior chamber 8: cornea 9: iris 10: lens cortex 11: lens nucleus 12: ciliary process 13: conjunctiva 14: inferior oblique muscule 15: inferior rectus muscule 16: medial rectus muscle 17: retinal arteries and veins 18: optic disc 19: dura mater 20: central retinal artery 21: central retinal vein 22: optical nerve 23: vorticose vein 24: bulbar sheat 25: macula 26: fovea 27: sclera 28: choroid 29: superior rectus muscle 30: retina1:posterior compartment 2:ora serrata 3:ciliary muscle 4:ciliary zonules 5:canal of Schlemm 6:pupil 7:anterior chamber 8:cornea 9:iris 10:lens cortex 11:lens nucleus 12:ciliary process 13:conjunctiva 14:inferior oblique muscule 15:inferior rectus muscule 16:medial rectus muscle 17:retinal arteries and veins 18:optic disc 19:dura mater 20:central retinal artery 21:central retinal vein 22:optical nerve 23:vorticose vein 24:bulbar sheat 25:macula 26:fovea 27:sclera 28:choroid 29:superior rectus muscle 30:retina
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Medical Dictionary. The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company.  Read more
Wikipedia. This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Bowman's membrane".  Read more