A Morphological Observation on the Surface Crypts and the Mucus in the Conjunctiva

As far as the function of the surface crypts is concerned, it is reasonable to assume that like the goblet cells they act as mucus glands. However, our knowledge of the conjunctival mucous crypts is limited and in the rather few major publication on this subject there has been remained controversial in several aspects. On the other hand, to evaluate the removal process of the mucus, which is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the cornea, nineteen human limbal and tarsal conjunctival biopsy specimens were otained. Also the conjunctiva of 46 subjects were scraped with a No. 15 sterile blade to obtain the conjunctival mucus. The authors observed the surface morphology the conjunctiva by flat preparation and the mucus, with the following conclusions. L The surface crypts in the conjunctiva was observed in all the specimens. 2. The surface crypts was supposed to be related to the remnant of the lacrimal gland in fetal stage. 3. The mucous network may be concerned in the removal process of the combined exfoliated cell debris and foreign particles. 4. The vacuoles in the pathological state were variable in size probably due to the breakdown of the biochemical or physiological barrier in mucus-debris complex