| Eyelash | |
|---|---|
 Human eyelashes | |
 Human lashes grow in up to six distinct layers on each upper and lower eyelids, in some cases resulting in sets of over 200 lashes surrounding each eye | |
| Details | |
| System | Sensory |
| Function | Lines the edges of the eyelids, heightening protection of the eye from dust and debris and triggers the blink reflex |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | cilium |
| Greek | Bλέφαρον (blépharon) |
| MeSH | D005140 |
| TA98 | A15.2.07.037 |
| TA2 | 7057 |
| FMA | 53669 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
An eyelash (also called lash) (Neo-Latin: cilium, plural cilia) is one of the hairs that grows at the edges of the top and bottom eyelids, spanning outwards and away from the eyes. The lashes grow in up to six layers on each of the upper and lower eyelids.[1] Eyelashes serve to protect the eye from debris, dust, and small particles, and are highly sensitive to touch, thus providing a warning that an object (such as an insect or lint) is near the eye, which then reflexively closes or flutters to rid the area of the object. The eyelid margin from which lashes grow is among the most sensitive parts of the human body, with many nerve endings enveloping the roots of the lashes, giving it sensitivity to very light tactile input even at the tips of the lashes,[2] enabling it to trigger the blink reflex when touched.[3] Eyelashes are also an important component of physical attractiveness, with long prominent lashes giving the illusion of large, gazing eyes,[4] and drawing attention to the eyes.
- ^ Aumond, Sarah; Bitton, Etty (2018). "The eyelash follicle features and anomalies: A review". Journal of Optometry. 11 (4): 211–222. doi:10.1016/j.optom.2018.05.003. ISSN 1989-1342. PMC 6147748. PMID 30017866.
- ^ Patel, Bhupendra C.; Lopez, Michael J.; Joos, Zachary P. (2023), "Anatomy, Head and Neck: Eyelash", StatPearls, Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing, PMID 30725963, retrieved 16 May 2023
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