Eyelid: Conjunctiva

The palpebral conjunctiva is reflected at the fornix of the eye onto the sclera of the globe as bulbar conjunctiva.  A fold of conjunctiva near the fornix (seen here) shows its stratified columnar epithelium with goblet cells resting on a lamina propria.  Mucus from the goblet cells in the conjunctival epithelium contributes to the tear film.  400x

The palpebral conjunctiva is reflected at the fornix of the eye onto the sclera of the globe as bulbar conjunctiva.  A fold of conjunctiva near the fornix (seen here) shows its stratified columnar epithelium with goblet cells resting on a lamina propria.  Mucus from the goblet cells in the conjunctival epithelium contributes to the tear film.  400x

Unicellular glands, such as goblet cells, are usually located in simple epithelia.  The conjunctiva represents a unique case in which these glands are part of a stratified epithelium.

This image was taken of a slide from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine collection.