ABSTRACT
The conjunctiva is a transparent mucous membrane lining the ocular surface, linking the globe and eyelids. It is derived from ectoderm and has three parts:
bulbar: the bulbar conjunctiva lies loosely over the sclera and merges with the corneal epithelium about 1 mm anterior to the corneoscleral limbus and fuses with Tenon’s capsule approximately 3 mm posterior to the limbus
palpebral: this is firmly adherent to the tarsal plates
forniceal: the tarsal conjunctiva forms outpouchings between the bulbar and palpebral conjunctivae. The superior fornix extends about 10 mm from the limbus, inferior 8 mm and lateral 14 mm (i.e. behind the equator). There is no medial fornix.
