Chapter 2: Ocular Physiology Flashcards
What are the 3 layers of the tear film, from deep to superficial
Mucus
Aqueous
Lipid
True of false, the mucus layer of the tear film is wiped off during blinking?
False, it is only thinned out
What is the mucus layer of the the tear film made of
Epithelial cell glycocalyx and tear mucins (glycoproteins) produced by goblet cells
Where are goblet cells located in the eye and how are they controlled?
Grouped in the tarsal conjunctival crypts (Henle’s crypts) and bulbar conjunctiva, nasal to the limbus (manz’s crypts).
They are stimulated by sensory nerves on the cornea and conjunctiva and are under sympathetic and parasympathetic control
Apart from goblet cells, what other cells produce mucins
Stratified squamous cells on the cornea and conjunctival epithelium
Why is mucus in the tear film so viscous
Composed of a central protein containing many threonine and serine residues attached to oligosaccharide chains. This gives it the ability to bind to hydrophobic cornea and hydrophilic aqueous layer.
What is the main mucin in the tear film?
MUC5UC
Which is the thickest part of the tear film?
Aqueous 7-10 micrometers
Where is the aqueous section of the tear film produced
Lacrimal and accessory lacrimal gland.
What is the aqueous layer of the tear film composed of and what properties does it have?
Mainly water (98%)
Salts: k and Cl
Proteins: IgA, lactoferrin, Gprotein, prealbumin, lysozyme, traces of plasma proteins.
Function: antibacterial, anti adhesive, lubrication
What happens to the aqueous layer composition when tear film production rate is increased?
Goes from being hypertonic due to there being plenty of time for salt and proteins to be released to isotonic.
The lacrimal glad is composed of which type of cell and what does it secrete?
Tuboacinar cells. They are exocrine in nature. Secretes, water, protein and salts
What is the basal rate of tear secretion
1.2microlitre per min
How is the lacrimal gland tear secretion controlled
Under autonomic control by the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.
The parasympathetic system directly simulates the Acinar cells or the myoepithelium around them.
What is the effect of menopause on lacrimation
Decreases
What does testosterone cause in the lacrimal system?
Increased release of proteins like IgA
The accessory lacrimal gland and corneal epithelium are under the control of…
The sympathetic nervous system
Which is the thinnest layer of the tear film?
Lipid layer (0.2-1 micro litre).