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conjunctiva

 
Dictionary: con·junc·ti·va   (kŏn'jŭngk-tī') pronunciation
n., pl., -vas, or -vae (-vē).
The mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and the exposed surface of the eyeball.

[Middle English, from Medieval Latin (membrāna) coniūnctīva, connective (membrane), feminine of Late Latin coniūnctīvus, connective, from Latin coniūnctus, past participle of coniungere, to join together. See conjoin.]

conjunctival con'junc·ti'val (-vəl) adj.

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Dental Dictionary: conjunctiva
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The mucous membrane lining the inner surfaces of the eyelids and anterior part of the sclera.

Veterinary Dictionary: conjunctiva
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Pl. conjunctivae [L.] the delicate membrane lining the eyelids and covering parts of the eyeball. Is in several parts, bulbar, fornical, marginal, nictital, palpebral and tarsal, named for anatomical reasons.

Wikipedia: Conjunctiva
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Conjunctiva
Gray883.png
The upper half of a sagittal section through the front of the eyeball. (Label for 'Conjunctiva' visible at center-left.)
Gray869.png
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 conjunctiva.

The conjunctiva is a clear mucous membrane consisting of cells and underlying basement membrane that covers the sclera (white part of the eye) and lines the inside of the eyelids. It is made of epithelial tissue.

Contents

Function

It 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.

Gross anatomy

The conjunctiva is typically divided into three parts:

Part Area
Palpebral or tarsal conjunctiva lines the eyelids
Fornix 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. It is loose and flexible, allowing the free movement of the lids and eyeball. An ophthalmologist or optometrist can insert eye drops into the lower eyelid space. The substance works its way up the surface of the eyeball and diffuse into the internal eye. [2]
Bulbar or ocular conjunctiva covers the eyeball, over the sclera. This region of the conjunctiva is bound tightly and moves with the eyeball movements.

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, chemical irritation, 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

Additional images

References

  1. ^ London Place Eye Center (2003). Conjunctivitis. Retrieved July 25, 2004.
  2. ^ Eye, human Encyclopaedia Britannica

External links


 
 

 

Copyrights:

Dictionary. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.  Read more
Dental Dictionary. Mosby's Dental Dictionary. Copyright © 2004 by Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.  Read more
Veterinary Dictionary. Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary 3rd Edition. Copyright © 2007 by D.C. Blood, V.P. Studdert and C.C. Gay, Elsevier. All rights reserved.  Read more
Wikipedia. This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Conjunctiva" Read more