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Sayo
Lectured by: Dr. Gonzales Proofread by: Kaye Reyes & Erina Valdes
Tunica Fibrosa:
o Sclera
o Cornea
Sclera:
o Posterior 5/6th
o White and opaque
o Center of scleral curvature = posterior pole of the
eye
(Refer to this picture for the next few pages/ o Limbus
“EYE: HISTOLOGIC LAYERS” section) Corneo-scleral junction
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Cornea:
o Anterior 1/6th
o Transparent
o Center of corneal curvature = anterior pole of the
eye
Eye: Sclera
Lamina Cribrosa:
o Perforated area of sclera where the optic nerve
EOM insert into sclera fibers exit
Tenon’s Capsule:
o Dense connective tissue fascial sheath that envelops Eye: Cornea
the eyeball external to the sclera
Tenon’s Space (Episcleral Space): Anterior 1/6th of layer
o Between Tenon’s capsule and the sclera Thicker than the sclera:
o With loose network of collagen fibers (episclera) o 0.8 – 1.0 mm
o Central region thinner than peripheral
Limbus:
o Point of connection with the sclera
Angle:
o Point of connection with the iris via trabecular
network
Avascular:
o Nutrition by diffusion from:
Vessels of the limbus
Aqueous humor
With numerous nerve endings:
o Very sensitive
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5-10 um; thinner than Bowman’s membrane
Composition:
o Basal lamina of the endothelium
o Fine collagen and some elastic fibers
5. Endothelium
Simple cuboidal epithelium
Cells:
o Basal surface rests on Descemet’s membrane
(actually, the basement membrane of endothelium)
o Apical surface in contact with aqueous humor
Choroid
o Forms middle histologic layer of the posterior 2/3rd
of the eye
o Vascular and pigmented
Ciliary Body
1. Epithelium: o Thickened anterior edge of the choroid
Stratified squamous, nonkeratinized
Cells: Iris
o 5-6 layers o Thin, circular diaphragm
o Numerous free sensory nerve endings between cells o Hole at the center (pupil)
o Rapid turnover rate: about 7 days
o Continuous mitosis of basal cells and shedding of Eye: Choroid
superficial cells
o Most superficial cells with microvilli soaked in
0.1 – 0.2 mm thick
precorneal tear film (7 um of lipid and glycoprotein)
o Deepest cells are columnar: Suprachoroidal lamina
Lateral surfaces = desmosomes o A.k.a. epichoroid; lamina fusca
Basal surfaces = hemidesmosomes and anchoring o Loose connective tissue that attaches the
proteins and filaments choroid to the sclera
o Rich in elastic fibers, melanocytes, and
2. Bowman’s Membrane: fibroblasts; also macrophages
Fibrillar lamina (8-12 um) to which the basal lamina of
the corneal epithelium is anchored
Acellular and amorphous
Randomly arranged type I collagen fibrils embedded in
ground substance
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o 2. Choriocapillary Layer Ciliary Muscles:
Network of fenestrated capillaries Longitudinal – opens trabecular network
Largest capillaries in the body Circular – accommodation that enables the
Supply the outer layers of the retina eye to focus for near or far vision
Eye: Iris
Substance:
o Loose connective tissue with numerous capillaries
Eye: Ciliary Body
o Cells:
Melanocytes
Ring of tissue Fibroblast
Triangular on the meridional section Smooth muscle cells
Ciliary processes: o Sphincter pupillae muscle:
o Finger-like processes on the posterior surface Smooth muscle fibers near the free margin of the
o Connective tissue richly supplied with fenestrated iris
capillaries (source of aqueous humor) Constricts the pupil on parasympathetic stimuli
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o Less pigmented than in the ciliary Synapse with rod and cone cells at the
retina outer plexiform layer and with ganglion
o Cells are myoepithelial cells that cells at the inner plexiform layer
contain myofilaments: Ganglion Cells
Form dilator pupillae iris Carry impulses from bipolar cells to the
Arranged radially on the periphery thalamus
of the iris Axons comprise the optic nerve
Dilate the pupil under sympathetic All three cell types synapse with each other
surface serially
The retina is practically only 3 neurons thick
o Integrating
Amacrine Neurons:
Various types that synapse with ganglion
cells at the inner plexiform layer
Horizontal Neurons:
Synapse with axons and rod and cone cells
at the outer plexiform layer
These are both cell bodies in the inner nuclear
layer
Parts:
o Anterior:
Lines the:
Inner surface of ciliary body (ciliary retina)
Posterior part of the iris (iridial retina)
Discussed in connection with the uvea
o Posterior (Retina Proper):
Photosensitive portion of the retina
Extends from the optic disk to the posterior edge
of the ciliary body, where it ends as a wavy line
(ora serrata)
Retina: Composition
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1. Pigment Epithelium: The axons gather in bundles, run parallel to the retina
Single layer of pigmented cuboidal cells and converge at the optic disk to form the optic nerve
Nucleus is basally located
Basal lamina forms the innermost layer of Bruch’s 10. Inner Limiting Membrane
membrane Layer that adjoins the vitreous body
Apical surfaces are provided with microvilli and Consists of basement membranes of Muller cells
cylindrical processes that envelop the tips of the
photoreceptors Retina: Photosensitive Cells
Functions:
o Phagocytose the ends of the rods as they are shed 1. Rod Cells:
o Increase the contrast of a visual image by absorbing More numerous than cones (100 – 120 million/eye vs. 6
reflected light million for cones)
o Synthesis of retinal from retinol (vitamin A): Slender, elongated cells (50 um long and 3 um wide)
combines with opsin to form rhodopsin Single dendrite (called rod) with two segments:
o Inner:
2. Layer of Rods and Cones: Numerous mitochondria and polyribosomes
Photoreceptor layer Well-developed Golgi complex
Light-sensitive dendrites or photoreceptors (rods and o Outer
cones) of the photosensitive cells Discs:
Membrane-bound, flattened, and
3. Outer Limiting Membrane: stacked
Narrow, eosinophilic structure Membranes contain pigment rhodopsin
Contains functional complexes formed by rods and cones (visual purple)
with Muller cells (a type of glial cell) Rhodopsin changes in configuration
when hit by light, and this initiates
4. Outer Nuclear Layer: visual stimulus
Contains nuclei of rod and cone cells Rhodopsin is reconstituted immediately
Nuclei of cone cells are in the outer region while those of after its response to light
rod cells are in the central region of layer Discs at the apex of the rod
continuously shed
5. Outer Plexiform Layer: Discs and rhodopsin are continuously
Amorphous under light microscope (LM) synthesized from the inner segment of
Synapses formed by rod and cone cells and dendrites of the rod
bipolar cells o Segments connected by constricted region of
Horizontal cells also synapse here with axons cytoplasm that has nine microtubule doublets
(similar to cilium minus central pair of
6. Inner Nuclear Layer: microtubules)
Cell bodies and nuclei of bipolar cells More sensitive to light than cones
Thinner than the outer nuclear layer Used in conditions of poor lighting (e.g., night vision)
Also contains horizontal and amacrine neurons and
nuclei of Muller cells
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2. Cone Cells: Retina: Modifications
Basic structure is similar to rods, except that cones:
o Contain several pigments that are responsive to Iridial and ciliary retina (already discussed)
green, red, or blue light Fovea centralis
o Principal pigment is iodopsin that is stimulated by o Ovoid depression, about 0.5 mm diameter
intense light (color perception and visual acuity) o 4 mm lateral and slightly below optic disk
o Discs are not shed off o Area of greatest visual acuity and color
o Synapse one-on-one with bipolar cells perception
Several rods may synapse with single bipolar cell Area packed with photoreceptors,
exclusively cones
Inner layers of retina are absent
Structures that:
o Serve as a system of convex lenses
o Focuses an inverted image of an object viewed on
the retina
1. Cornea:
Previously discussed
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2. Aqueous Humor:
Fills the anterior and posterior chambers
Clear, slightly alkaline fluid derived from plasma
Less protein, urea, and glucose than plasma but more
lactate, pyruvate, and ascorbate
Nourishes lens and cornea aside from serving as
refractive medium
Secreted continuously into the posterior chamber by
ciliary epithelium 4. Vitreous Humor:
Flows into the anterior chamber via pupil Fills vitreous cavity
Drains into the canal of Schlemm and trabecular network Gelatinous, transparent, 99% water
(loose fibers around the base of the cornea and iris) Contains:
o Collagen fibrils (type II and type XI)
o Glycosaminoglycan (principally hyaluronic acid)
o Hyalocytes – cells responsible for synthesis of
collagen and hyaluronic acid
Functions:
o Refractive media
o Provide structural integrity to the eye
o Also provide a pathway for nutrients to the lens,
ciliary body, and retina
1. Conjunctiva:
Thin, translucent mucous membrane
Covers exposed anterior portion of sclera up to the
3. Lens: limbus (bulbar conjunctiva)
Biconvex elastic tissue (posterior surface is more convex) Lines inside of eyelids (palpebral conjunctiva)
Highly cellular but transparent and amorphous Fornices (superior and inferior) – transitional area where
Structure: conjunctiva adheres loosely to the underlying tissue
o Capsule (Lens Capsule): Conjunctival sac – entire space bounded by conjunctiva;
Envelops lens receives ocular medications
10 – 20 um thick
Collagen fibers (type IV) and glycoproteins
o Epithelium (Subcapsular Epithelium):
Simple cuboidal epithelium
Covers anterior part but not posterior part of the
lens
Cells nucleated but few organelles; bound
together by desmosomes and gap junctions
o Substance (Cortex): Epithelium:
Lens Fibers: o Stratified columnar with numerous goblet cells
2,000 – 3,000 cells that comprise substance Lamina Propria:
Shaped like six-sided prisms o Loose connective tissue
8 – 10 um width; 2 um thick
Long (7 – 10 mm); they span anterior and
posterior poles of the lens
Peripheral fibers curving to give lens a
biconvex form
No nuclei and organelles
Filled with proteins (crystallins)
Minimal intercellular substance and cell
membranes of adjacent cells are fused
Differentiate from cells of the subcapsular
epithelium
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2. Eyelids:
A.k.a. palpebrae 3. Lacrimal Apparatus:
Upper and lower Refers to structures involved in the production and
Thin folds of tissue that protect the exposed portion of drainage of tears
the eyeball o Watery fluid similar in composition to plasma
Core is dense fibroelastic plate (tarsus; tarsal plate) o Moistens the exposed surface of the eye
covered by skin anteriorly and palpebral conjunctiva o Functions:
posteriorly Prevents cornea from drying up
Lubricates eyelids
Skin: Nourishes corneal epithelium
o Has fine hairs but at the free edge, 3-4 rows of Removes irritants and other foreign substances
coarse and long eyelashes Has antibacterial properties
o Hypodermis is loose connective tissue devoid of Helps combat infection by transporting
fat lymphocytes and other white blood cells
Muscles: Components:
o Orbicularis Oculi: o Lacrimal gland
Skeletal muscle Located on anterosuperior temporal portion of
Anterior to the tarsal plate orbit
o Levator Palpebrae: Secretes tears
In upper lid Consists of several separate lobes
Tubuloalveolar gland similar to salivary glands
Glands: structurally
o Meibomian Acinar cells are typical serous secreting cells
20-25 glands per eyelid Myoepithelial cells present
Embedded within tarsal plate Secretion drain into ducts which ultimately
Atypical sebaceous glands: converge to form 6-12 excretory ducts that
Not associated with hair follicle drain into conjunctival fornix
Long ducts draining numerous acini each;
and open at free edge of eyelids
Oily secretion prevents free edge of eyelids from
adhering together
o Moll:
Modified sweat glands located in dermis
Empty secretions into follicles of eyelashes
o Zeiss:
Sebaceous glands that are smaller than
meibomian glands
Located in dermis
Empty secretions into follicles of eyelashes o Lacrimal canaliculi
Two tiny tubes (superior and inferior canaliculi)
o All three glands: collective secretion form an oily film to which tears flow
over tear layer that prevents evaporation Lacrimal puncta:
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Opening of canaliculi 3. The blood supply of the rods and cones in the retina comes
Round apertures (0.5 mm) in diameter from the:
At medial aspect of upper and lower lids A. terminal branches of the central artery of the
About 1 mm diameter and 8 mm long retina
Join together to form a common canaliculus - Supplies the inner layers of the retina.
Lines by thick nonkeratinized stratified B. capillaries of the choroid
squamous epithelium - Supplies the outer layers of the retina.
C. both
o Lacrimal sac D. neither
Dilated portion of lacrimal drainage system
Lies in lacrimal fossa 4. The muscle fibers responsible for accommodation are in
the:
o Nasolacrimal duct A. upper and lower eyelids
Continuation of lacrimal sac inferiorly - levator palpebrae in upper eyelid and obicularis
Opens into inferior nasal meatus lateral to occuli in upper and lower eyelids. Note: These are
inferior turbinate skeletal muscles. pg. 312
B. iris
- contains dilator pupillae with sympathetic
stimulation and sphincter pupillae with
parasympathetic stimulation. pg. 305-306
C. epithelial region of the ciliary body
- Subdivided into: Pars Plicata (with ciliary processes)
and Pars Plana (devoid of ciliary processes) pg. 304
D. uveal region of the ciliary body
- does contain the 'circularly-arranged' muscle cells
for accommodation. Note the 'longitudinally-
arranged muscle fibers open the trabecular network
to enable aqueous fluid drain. pg. 305
REFERENCES
5. The cells that comprise the constrictor pupillae are:
In-class lecture, Histology textbook A. myoepithelial cells
- Constrictor pupillae and dilator pupillae are both
PAST E QUESTION RATIONALIZATIONS myoepithelial cells. pg. 305-306
B. skeletal muscle cells
1. Eye compartment/s that contain/s aqueous humor: C. smooth muscle cells
A. anterior chamber D. cardiac muscle cells
- The anterior chamber does contain aqueous
humor. pg. 310 6. The canal of Schlemm , the endothelial-lined tubes that
B. posterior chamber serve as drainage channels for aqueous humor
- The posterior chamber does contain aqueous are located in the:
humor. pg 310 A. choroid
C. vitreous chamber - located more closely to the vitreous chamber,
- The vitreous chamber does not contain aqueous below the retina. pg. 303-304
humor. It contains vitreous humor. B. cornea
D. A & B only - Does not contain the Canal of Schlemm.
C. sclera
2. Histologic layer of the cornea where the basal lamina of - Does contain the Canal of Schlemm which is
the corneal epithelium rests: located near the limbus and drains aqueous humor
A. Bowman’s membrane from the anterior chamber to the venous system.
- is where the basal lamina of the epithelium rests. Note: Aqueous humor also drains into the trabecular
B. Descemet’s membrane framework from the anterior chamber as well. pg.
- is where between the endothelium and the 311
substantia propria or stroma. D. retina
C. Bruch’s membrane - is the inner most layer of the - Does not contain the Canal of Schlemm pg. 306-
choroid, not the cornea. pg. 303 309
D. None of the above
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7. The largest fenestrated capillaries in the body are found in
the: 10. TRUE of the photoreceptor cells in the retina:
A. vessel layer of the choroid A. The flattened discs in the apex of their
- Does not contain the largest fenestrated capillaries
photoreceptors are continuously being shed by the
in the body, but does
service them. pg. 304 rod cells but not by the cone cells.
B. Bruch’s membrane - True. Pg 308
- Does not contain blood vessels. Inner most layer of B. The dendrites of the cone cells are longer than
the choroid. pg 303 those of the rod cells.
C. trabecular meshwork - False, rods are longer than cones. pg 307
- Drains aqueous humor into the venous system. pg. C. The axons of the rod cells synapse one-on-one
311
with the dendrites of the bipolar cells while the
D. choriocapillary layer of the choroid
- Contains the largest fenestrated capillaries in the axons of several cone cells may synapse with the
body that service the outer layers of the retina. pg dendrite of a single bipolar cell.
304 Consists of branches of the short ciliary and -False, the axons of cone cells synapse one-on-one
posterior ciliary arteries that come from the while several rod cells may synapse with one
ophthalmic artery. pg 309 These capillaries arise dendrite of a single bipolar cell. pg. 308
from the blood vessels in the vessel layer. pg 304 D. All of the above
Also note the venous drainage through the retinal
vein to the superior ophthalmic vein or cavernous
sinus. 11. Region that is devoid of a lining or covering epithelium:
8. The optic nerve is made up of the axons of the: A. anterior surface of the lens
- enveloped by a lens capsule and has a simple
A. rod cells and cone cells cuboidal epithelium. pg.310
- Axons go into the outer plexiform layer and
B. anterior surface of the iris
synapse with dendrites of bi-polar cells. pg. 308
B. bipolar neurons - covered in Endothelial cells. pg 305
- Axons go into inner plexiform layer and synapse C. posterior surface of the iris
with the dendrites of ganglion cells. pg. 308-309 - lined by iridial retina. pg 305
C. ganglion cells D. all of the above
- Ganglion cell layer. Axons run up into the nerve
fiber layer and form the optic nerve. pg. 309 12. The cells that produce retinal from the active form of
D. Muller cell
vitamin A are located in the:
- Inner limiting membrane cells. Support cells that
envelope the neurons of the retina. pg. 306
A. choroid
9. The horizontal neurons synapse with the other retinal - contains vessel layer, choriocapillary layer, and
neurons in the: Bruch's glassy membrane. pg. 303-304
B. pigment epithelium of the retina
A. inner plexiform layer - produces retinal, also synthesizes and stores
- Contains Amacrine cells. pg. 309
melanin. pg 307
B. outer plexiform layer
- Horizontals cells synapse with the axons of rods C. corneal endothelium
and cones in this layer. pg. 308 - innermost layer of the cornea. Does not contains
C. inner limiting membrane cells that produce retinal. Pg. 302-303.
- Consists of the basement membrane of Muller Cells. D. external nuclear layer of the retina
pg 309 - Outer nuclear layer of retina contains cell bodies of
D. outer limiting membrane
rods and cones. Does not contains cells that produce
- Contains junctional complexes that are formed by
the rods and cone cells with Muller cells. pg 308 retinal. pg. 309
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13. Glands that are embedded in the tarsal plate of the
eyelids:
A. meibomian glands
- Sebaceous glands in the tarsal plate. Secrete to
free edge of eyelids. pg. 313
B. glands of Moll
- modified apocrine sweat glands. Along with the
sebaceous glands of zeis, located in the dermis and
secrete into hair follicles. pg. 313
C. Ciaccio’s glands
- Accessory glands lacrimal glands located in the
tarsal plate. Secrete to the conjuctival surface pg.
313
D. A & C only
NOTE: Secretions from Glands of Moll, Zeis and
Meibomian combine to form the oily layer that
makes up the third layer of the tear film that protects
the cornea.
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