Which membrane is a transparent mucous membrane that protects the exposed eyeball surface?

Which membrane is a transparent mucous membrane that protects the exposed eyeball surface?

• A. Conjunctiva
• B. Orbit
• C. Canthus
• D. Cilia

Answer: (A)

The conjunctiva is a thin, transparent mucous membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the white of the eye (the sclera). It forms a continuous protective surface on the portion of the eyeball exposed to the outside and helps keep the surface moist with mucus produced by goblet cells, part of the tear film. This combination of transparency for light and lubrication for protection makes it ideal for guarding the exposed eyeball while maintaining clear vision. The other terms refer to different parts: the orbit is the eye socket, the canthus is the corner where the lids meet, and cilia are the eyelashes.

The conjunctiva is a thin, transparent mucous membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the white of the eye (the sclera). It forms a continuous protective surface on the portion of the eyeball exposed to the outside and helps keep the surface moist with mucus produced by goblet cells, part of the tear film. This combination of transparency for light and lubrication for protection makes it ideal for guarding the exposed eyeball while maintaining clear vision. The other terms refer to different parts: the orbit is the eye socket, the canthus is the corner where the lids meet, and cilia are the eyelashes.