Conjunctiva

Question 1

Describe the conj & its sections?

Answer 1

• Mucus membrane lining posterior surface of eyelids, extends into fornix & anterior globe as far as limbus where it joins onto cornea
• Dived into different sections:
  o Palpebral
  o Forniceal
  o Bulbar
• Marginal – where it joins eyelid margins
• Tarsal – on inner lining of eyelid
• Fornix – where the conj turns ‘corner’ & then onto globe
• Bulbar – conj which is adjacent to globe itself – right up to limbus where it joins onto cornea
  o Important to examine all these parts of conj  pull lower lid down & evert upper lid

Question 2

Describe conj histology?

Answer 2

• Conj cells are stratified, non-keratinising and squamous
  o Interspersed w/ mucus secreting goblet cells
   Most numerous in fornix, absent in epibulbar area
• Palpebral conj – thickened & covers lymphocytes, vessels & lymphoid tissue
• Overlying epithelium
• Stroma includes collagen fibres, vessels, nerves, resident lymphocytes, plasma cells, mast cells  this is how there is a rapid release of histamine when pxs develop allergic conjunctivitis
• Medial conj forms fold – plica semilunaris
  o Medial to this is caruncle – non-keratinising stratified squamous epithelium

Question 3

What do you need to describe when describing lesions?

Answer 3

o Size – in mm
o Pigmented or non-pigmented?
o Vascularised?
o Elevated off surface of globe/eyelid or skin? – depending on where lesion is
o Is it ulcerated?
o Is it bleeding?