conjunctiva

Credit: St Luke's Cataract & Laser Institute

The thin, transparent, mucous membrane that covers the outer surface of the eye. It begins at the outer edge of the cornea and covers the visible part of the sclera and lines the inside of the eyelids. It is nourished by tiny blood vessels that are barely visible to the naked eye. The conjunctiva also secretes oils and mucous that moisten and lubricate the eye.

Medical conditions of the conjunctiva

Inflammation of the conjunctiva is known as conjunctivitis, or, commonly, pink-eye.

A pinguecula is a small, benign, yellowish spot on the conjunctiva over the exposed areas of the white of the eye. Pingueculas are sometimes attributed to ultraviolet radiation in sunlight, and are common in elderly people. In some cases, pingueculas may be removed for cosmetic reasons.

Related category

• ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

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