2020–2021 BCSC Basic and Clinical Science Course™
4 Ophthalmic Pathology and Intraocular Tumors
Part I: Ophthalmic Pathology
Chapter 4: Wound Repair
Wound Repair in Specific Ocular Tissues
Conjunctiva
The conjunctiva is composed of nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium with goblet cells overlying a stroma called the substantia propria. The substantia propria is composed of blood vessels, lymphatic channels, and collagen fibers that are randomly distributed in a relatively loose configuration. In response to a wound, activated platelets form hemostatic plugs within the vessels, and neutrophils migrate to the surface of the wound edges (see Fig 4-1). The epithelium migrates to cover the wound. Meanwhile, stromal fibroblasts begin to proliferate and deposit fibronectin at the wound edges. Fibroblasts and blood vessels enter the wound and lay down new collagen. The final phase of remodeling is associated with canalization of new blood vessels and scarring due to contraction of collagen.
Excerpted from BCSC 2020-2021 series: Section 4 - Ophthalmic Pathology and Intraocular Tumors. For more information and to purchase the entire series, please visit https://www.aao.org/bcsc.