Conjunctiva Flashcards
Describe the anatomy and function of conjunctiva.
Transparent, vascularized, mucous membrane
Lines ocular surface (not cornea)
Lines internal side of eyelids
Functions: Immune defense, produces part of tear film, reduces friction of eye and lid
What are the 3 parts of the conjunctiva?
Palpebral conjunctiva
Bulbar conjunctiva
Conjunctival fornix
Describe the palpebral conjunctiva.
Lines the eyelids
Stratified squamous epithelium (continuous with skin epithelium at mucocutaneous junction)
No keratin
Puncta opens at lid margin
Tightly adherent to tarsal plate
Describe the bulbar conjunctiva.
Thinnest
Translucent
Loosely adherent to underlying tissue
Describe the conjunctival fornix.
Joins the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva
Allows free movement of the conjunctiva
Main lacrimal gland empties here
Describe the contents of the conjunctival epithelium.
Surface contains microvilli and microclimate like cornea (increase surface area for nutrient absorption)
Melanin
Goblet cells produce and secrete mucin layer of tear film
Describe the layer of the conjunctival stroma.
Adenoid layer: loose connective tissue, fenestrated capillaries
Fibrous layer: bundles of collagen
Describe the blood supply of the conjunctiva.
The lid and conjunctiva are richly vascularized
Duel blood supply either superficial and deep or marginal and peripheral
Duel blood supply from internal carotid artery
Blood supply between lid and conjunctiva are continuous but have different sources
Describe what the superficial and deep portions of the conjunctival lymphatics drain into.
Superficial drains into preauricular (parotid) node
Deep drains into submandibular node
Describe the innervation of the conjunctiva.
Sympathetic autonomic regulates blood vessel constriction
Upper lid/conjunctiva V1
Lower lid/conjunctiva V2
