6.2 Histology of the eye Flashcards
What are the 3 layers of the eye?
Corneoscleral
Uveal
Retinal
What is the conjunctiva
mucous membrane which covers the exposed part of the eye (sclera and inner surface of the eyelids)
What is the function of the conjunctiva
Mucinous secretions add to the protective layer covering the eye
Allow eyelids to move freely over the eye
What is the histology of the conjunctiva?
non keratinzing stratified squamous epithelium with goblet cells and scattered melanocytes
What is the common presentation of conjunctiva pathology?
Inflammation bilaterally with a red appearance and hyperaemic vesses
What divides the eye into chambers?
The lens and iris
What do teh anterior and posterior chamber contain?
Aqueous humour
How does the aqueous humour circulate?
Produced by the ciliary processes, secreted into the posterior chamber by the ciliary body, circulates through the pupil and drains into the canal of schlemm into the anterior chamber
What is the function of the cornea?
Allow entry of light and the principle mechanism for focusing images on the retina
What is the junction of the cornea and sclera?
Limbus
What are the 5 layers of the cornea?
Epithelium Bowmans membrane Stroma Descemet's membrane Endothelium
What kind of epithelium is the cornea?
stratified squamous
Where does the cornea get its nutrients from?
The aqueous humour and environmental oxygen
What is ulcerative keratitis?
Inflammation of the cornea from a break in the epithelium
Does the cornea have blood vessels?
No
What is keratoconus and what causes it?
Bulging of the eyeball due to weak mesenchymal collagen
What is the role of the sclera?
Insertion of the extraocular eye muscles, protection and support
What is the histology of the sclera?
Dense fibrous avascular tissue which is continuous with the dura surrounding the optic nerve
What conditions have a thinning of the sclera?
connective tissue disorders such as marfans, Ehlers danlos and osteogenesis imperfecta
What will you see histologically in thinning of the sclera?
Underlying choroidal pigment shows through which will result in a blue colour (normal in newborns)
What is the role of the iris?
Regulates the amount of light coming in (aperture control), esures light enters through the pupil
What innervates the iris?
ANS
What is the iris made of and what are teh surfaces composed of?
Pigmented stromal cells
Anterior: irregular with fibroblasts and melanocytes
Posterior: Smooth pigmented epithelium