Bowman's membrane 759382 215396850 2008-05-28T00:29:23Z WLU 2118749 MOS:reorder {{Infobox Anatomy | Name = Bowman's membrane | Latin = l. limitans anterior corneae | GraySubject = 225 | GrayPage = 1008 | Image = Gray871.png | Caption = Vertical section of human cornea from near the margin. (Waldeyer.) Magnified. <BR>1. [[Epithelium]]. <BR>2. Anterior elastic lamina. <BR>3. [[substantia propria]]. <BR>4. [[Descemet's membrane|Posterior elastic lamina]]. <BR>5. [[Endothelium]] of the [[anterior chamber]]. <BR>a. Oblique fibers in the anterior layer of the [[substantia propria]]. <BR>b. Lamellæ the fibers of which are cut across, producing a dotted appearance. <BR>c. [[Corneal]] corpuscles appearing [[fusiform]] in section. <BR>d. Lamellæ the fibers of which are cut longitudinally. <BR>e. Transition to the [[sclera]], with more distinct fibrillation, and surmounted by a thicker [[epithelium]]. <BR>f. Small bloodvessels cut across near the margin of the [[cornea]]. | Image2 = | Caption2 = | System = | Precursor = | MeshName = Bowman+membrane | MeshNumber = A09.371.060.217.113 | DorlandsPre = l_02 | DorlandsSuf = 12476272 | }} The '''Bowman's membrane''' ('''Bowman's layer''', '''anterior limiting lamina''', '''anterior elastic lamina''') is a smooth layer in the [[eye]]. It is located between the front [[epithelium]] and the [[Stroma of cornea | stroma]] in the [[cornea]]. It is composed of strong [[collagen]] fibers and helps the cornea maintain its shape. If the Bowman's membrane is damaged, scarring would normally occur. In adult humans, this layer is 8-12 μm thick.<ref>Hogan MJ, Alvarado JA, Weddell E: Histology of the Human Eye. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 1971</ref> Bowman's layer is absent in cats, dogs, and other carnivores.<ref name="Merindano">Merindano MD; Costa J; Canals M; Potau JM, and Ruano D. [http://www.med.ub.es/sae/EJA/EJA_V6_N3_02.pdf#search=%22%22mammalian%20cornea%22%2C%20layers%22 "A comparative study of Bowman's layer in some mammals: Relationships with other constituent corneal structures."] ''European Journal of Anatomy.'' Volume 6, Number 3, December 2002.</ref> The Bowman's membrane is named after Sir [[William Bowman]] ([[1816]] - [[1892]]), an English [[physician]], [[anatomist]] and [[ophthalmologist]], who discovered this membrane. ==See also== *[[Refractive surgery]] *[[Descemet's membrane]] ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== * {{BUHistology|08002loa}} * [http://www.sheinman.com/Aanatomyp4.htm Diagram at sheinman.com] * [http://www.laservue.net/images/cornea_crosssection_en.jpg Diagram at cornea_crosssection_en.jpg] [[Category:Eye]] {{eye-stub}} {{Eye}} [[es:Membrana de Bowman]] [[id:Membrana Bowman]] [[it:Lamina di Bowman]] [[nl:Membraan van Bowman]] [[ja:ボーマン膜]] [[no:Bowmans membran]] [[pl:Blaszka graniczna przednia rogówki]]