Conjunctiva

The mucous membrane of the eye. It covers the anterior sur- face of the eye, passing backward about onehalf inch, where it turns (fornix) to line theinner surface of the eyelids, thus forming acomplete sac when the eyelids are closed. It consists of two portions; the ocular portion,which covers the sclerotic, and the palpebralportion, which lines the inner surface of thelids. The ocular portion is loosely connectedwith the sclerotic, but firmly attached to theedge (limbus) of the cornea. The palpebralportion is thick, opaque, highly vascular, andcovered with numerous papillae. At the marginof the lids, it becomes continuous with the lin-• ing membrane of the ducts of the meibomianglands. At its outer and upper angle there are

Source: Ophthalmic Dictionary including pronunciation, derivation and definition of the words used in Optometry and Ophthalmology by James J. Lewis, Oph. D. Professor of Optometry in the Northern Illinois College of Ophthalmology and Otology, Chicago.