Corneal epithelium

Corneal epithelium
Vertical section of human cornea from near the margin. (Waldeyer.) Magnified.
  1. Oblique fibers in the anterior layer of the substantia propria
  2. Lamellae, the fibers of which are cut across, producing a dotted appearance
  3. Corneal corpuscles appearing fusiform in section
  4. Lamellae, the fibers of which are cut longitudinally
  5. Transition to the sclera, with more distinct fibrillation, and surmounted by a thicker epithelium
  6. Small blood vessels cut across near the margin of the cornea
Details
Identifiers
LatinEpithelium anterius corneae
MeSHD019573
TA98A15.2.02.018
FMA58263
Anatomical terminology

The corneal epithelium (epithelium corneae anterior layer) is made up of epithelial tissue and covers the front of the cornea. It acts as a barrier to protect the cornea, resisting the free flow of fluids from the tears, and prevents bacteria from entering the epithelium and corneal stroma.