Abstract
The ocular surface is a complex biological continuum responsible for protection of the cornea and maintenance of corneal clarity. The precorneal tear film, neural innervation, and the protective blink reflex help sustain an environment favorable for epithelial cell layers. Epithelial cells are self-renewing; precursor cells, called stem cells, constantly differentiate into new ocular surface epithelium. Limbal stem cells are responsible for maintenance of the corneal epithelium, while the conjunctiva and possibly adnexal conjunctival structures are renewed by conjunctival stem cells.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Disorders |
| Publisher | CRC Press |
| Pages | 225-246 |
| Number of pages | 22 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9780849378201 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780824747022 |
| State | Published - Jan 1 2004 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Medicine