Corpus: Conjunctival fornix
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This text has been translated by an AI and may sound raw. It will be reviewed shortly. Thank you for your patience!
from Latin: fornix - vault, dome
English:
Definition[Bearbeiten]
The term conjunctival fornix refers to the fold that forms the conjunctiva of the eye in the conjunctival sac. It marks the transition between the eyelid and the eyeball.
Classification[Bearbeiten]
- Fornix conjunctivae superior: upper conjunctival fold
- Fornix conjunctivae inferior: inferior conjunctival fold
Anatomy[Bearbeiten]
At the upper and lower end of the conjunctival sac, the tunica conjunctiva bulbi folds over onto the tunica conjunctiva palpebrarum. The reserve folds that arise there serve to allow free movement of the eyeball.
The excretory ducts of the lacrimal gland (glandula lacrimalis) open into the upper fold. The inferior tarsal muscle originates from the inferior palpebral fold.
The upper and lower folds are connected by the plicae semilunares conjunctivae.
Histology[Bearbeiten]
The conjunctival fornix is lined with a rare form of epithelium, the multilayered highly prismatic epithelium.
Clinic[Bearbeiten]
To inspect the fornices, the eye must be ectropionised. This involves turning the upper or lower eyelid outwards with the help of a cotton bud.