Eyelid
The eyelid is an accessory eye structure, not part of the eye proper. The eyelid is a movable fold of tissue that protects the anterior surface of the globe. The eyelid is covered by skin on its external surface and by conjunctiva on the interior. 10x
Skin >
The skin of the eyelid is thin skin containing many small hairs with sebaceous and sweat glands.
Tarsus >
The tarsus consist of two tarsal plates and is composed of dense connective tissue. The tarsal plates enclose the Meibomium glands and maintain the shape of the eyelid.
Meibomian glands >
The Meibomian glands are modified sebaceous glands embedded in the tarsus. The secretions of these glands provide an oily surface layer to the tear film that reduces evaporation of this layer.
Palpebral conjunctiva >
The conjunctiva is a mucous membrane composed of a stratified columnar epithelium with goblet cells. The palpebral conjunctiva covers the inner surface of the eyelid and is reflected onto the anterior surface of the sclera as bulbar conjunctiva. The epithelium of the bulbar conjunctiva is continuous with that of the cornea.
Bulbar conjunctiva
The conjunctiva is a mucous membrane composed of a stratified columnar epithelium with goblet cells. The palpebral conjunctiva covers the inner surface of the eyelid and is reflected onto the anterior surface of the sclera as bulbar conjunctiva. The epithelium of the bulbar conjunctiva is continuous with that of the cornea.
Fornix >
The recess formed by the reflected conjunctiva is called the fornix and encloses the conjunctival sac.
Eyelash >
The lashes are positioned in two or three rows at the tip of the eyelid. They are distinguished by having no arrector pili muscles. Sebaceous and uncoiled sweat glands terminate in the follicles of these hairs.
Orbicularis oculi muscle >
The orbicularis oculi is a muscle of facial expression that surrounds the orbit. A portion of this skeletal muscle extends into the core of the eyelid, serving as the sphincter muscle that closes the eyelids.
Lens >
Additional structures in the anterior portion of the eye are also visible, including the lens, iris, cornea and pupil.
Iris
Additional structures in the anterior portion of the eye are also visible, including the lens, iris, cornea and pupil.
Cornea
Additional structures in the anterior portion of the eye are also visible, including the lens, iris, cornea and pupil.
Image source >
Image taken of a slide from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine collection.
