Corneal epithelium

The corneal epithelium (epithelium corneæ anterior layer) is made up of epithelial tissue and covers the front of the cornea. It acts as a barrier to protect the cornea, resisting the free flow of fluids from the tears, and prevents bacteria from entering the epithelium and corneal stroma.

Corneal epithelium
Vertical section of human cornea from near the margin. (Waldeyer.) Magnified. Epithelium Anterior elastic lamina substantia propria Posterior elastic lamina Endothelium of the anterior chamber Oblique fibers in the anterior layer of the substantia propria Lamellæ, the fibers of which are cut across, producing a dotted appearance Corneal corpuscles appearing fusiform in section Lamellæ, the fibers of which are cut longitudinally Transition to the sclera, with more distinct fibrillation, and surmounted by a thicker epithelium Small blood vessels cut across near the margin of the cornea
Details
Identifiers
Latin	Epithelium anterius corneae
MeSH	D019573
TA	A15.2.02.018
FMA	58263
Anatomical terminology

The corneal epithelium consists of several layers of cells. The cells of the deepest layer are columnar, known as basal cells. Then follow two or three layers of polyhedral cells, commonly known as wing cells. The majority of these are prickle cells, similar to those found in the stratum mucosum of the cuticle. Lastly, there are three or four layers of squamous cells, with flattened nuclei. The layers of the epithelium are constantly undergoing mitosis. Basal and wing cells migrate to the anterior of the cornea, while squamous cells age and slough off into the tear film.