Sclera

Definition

The sclera is the white, protective outer layer of the eye that covers the entire eyeball, except for the cornea. It is a tough, fibrous membrane that helps maintain the shape and structure of the eye.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The sclera is composed of dense, fibrous connective tissue that provides structural support and protection for the eye.
2. The sclera is continuous with the cornea at the limbus, the junction between the sclera and cornea.
3. The sclera is responsible for maintaining the shape and position of the eye within the orbit.
4. The sclera is white in color due to the dense arrangement of collagen fibers, which scatter light and give the eye its characteristic appearance.
5. Disorders of the sclera, such as scleral thinning or inflammation (scleritis), can lead to vision problems and eye pain.

Review Questions

• Describe the function of the sclera in the eye.
  • The sclera is the tough, white outer layer of the eye that helps maintain the shape and structural integrity of the eyeball. It provides protection for the delicate inner structures of the eye and helps anchor the eye muscles, allowing for eye movement. The sclera is continuous with the cornea, which is the transparent front part of the eye responsible for refracting light.
• Explain the relationship between the sclera and the other layers of the eye.
  • The sclera is the outermost layer of the eye, surrounding the choroid and retina. The choroid is the middle vascular layer that nourishes the eye, while the retina is the innermost light-sensitive layer that converts light into electrical signals for the brain to interpret as vision. The sclera is continuous with the cornea at the limbus, the junction between the two structures. This seamless connection allows the sclera to provide structural support and protection for the entire eye.
• Analyze the importance of the sclera's composition and color in the function and appearance of the eye.
  • The sclera is composed of dense, fibrous connective tissue that gives it its characteristic white color and provides structural support to the eye. The white color is due to the dense arrangement of collagen fibers in the sclera, which scatter light and give the eye its distinctive appearance. This composition is crucial for maintaining the shape and position of the eye within the orbit, as well as protecting the delicate inner structures from damage. Disorders affecting the sclera, such as thinning or inflammation, can lead to vision problems and eye pain, underscoring the importance of the sclera's structural and protective functions.

Related terms

Cornea: The clear, curved front part of the eye that helps focus light entering the eye.

Choroid: The middle layer of the eye that contains blood vessels that nourish the eye.

Retina: The light-sensitive inner layer of the eye that contains the photoreceptors responsible for vision.