Bowman's membrane
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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]]