Role of tears in maintaining corneal integrity.
In addition to providing a smooth optical surface, the tear film moistens and protects the cornea by providing a wide variety of antimicrobial substances. Accessory secretions of the conjunctiva and tarsal glands play an important protective role in lubricating, promiting wetting of the corneal epithelium by tears, stabilizing the extremely thin precorneal film, and reducing evaporation.
D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000378:metabolism; D003315:Cornea / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007071:Immunoglobulin A, Secretory / Q000276:immunology; D008055:Lipids / Q000502:physiology; D009093:Mucus / Q000502:physiology; D013666:Tears / Q000201:enzymology / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*
D007071:Immunoglobulin A, Secretory; D008055:Lipids