title: How the cornea defends itself.
abstract: The normal cornea is a dense, firm structure through which few inflammatory molecules and micro-orgnaisms are admitted. It usually lacks at least one of the components necessary for immunological reactions. Thus, these reactions are unlikely to be initiated within the cornea. A look at the tissues surrounding the cornea shows that the conjunctiva is rich in inflammatory reactants. Blood and lymphatic vessels (and also the tears) provide important systems that transport immunological elements to the cornea. Thus, the main forces for corneal destruction--and defence--probably come from its surrounding tissues.
mesh_terms: D000937:Antigen-Antibody Reactions; D003315:Cornea / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D007634:Keratitis / Q000276:immunology; D013666:Tears / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D007074:Immunoglobulin G