Episcleral layer

Episcleral layer
Details
Identifiers
Latin	lamina episcleralis
TA98	A15.2.02.008
TA2	6816
FMA	58362
Anatomical terminology [edit on Wikidata]

The episclera is the outermost layer of the sclera (the white of the eye).^[1] It is composed of loose, fibrous, elastic tissue and attaches to Tenon's capsule.^[1]

A vascular plexus is found between the bulbar conjunctiva and the sclera consisting of two layers of vessels, the superficial episcleral vessels and the deep episcleral vessels.

Clinical significance

In episcleritis, the episclera and Tenon's capsule are infiltrated with inflammatory cells.^[2]

References

^ ^a ^b Cassin, B. and Solomon, S. Dictionary of Eye Terminology. Gainesville, Florida: Triad Publishing Company, 1990.
^ Heath, G. "The episclera, sclera and conjunctiva: An overview of relevant ocular anatomy." Archived 2013-05-13 at the Wayback Machine OT. February 10, 2006.

Anatomy of the globe of the human eye

Fibrous tunic
(outer)

Sclera	Episcleral layer Schlemm's canal Trabecular meshwork
Cornea	Limbus layers Epithelium Bowman's Stroma Dua's layer Descemet's Endothelium

Uvea / vascular
tunic (middle)

Choroid	Capillary lamina of choroid Bruch's membrane Sattler's layer
Ciliary body	Ciliary processes Ciliary muscle Pars plicata Pars plana
Iris	Stroma Pupil Iris dilator muscle Iris sphincter muscle

Retina (inner)

Layers	Inner limiting membrane Nerve fiber layer Ganglion cell layer Inner plexiform layer Inner nuclear layer Outer plexiform layer Outer nuclear layer External limiting membrane Layer of rods and cones Retinal pigment epithelium
Cells	Photoreceptor cells (Cone cell, Rod cell) → (Horizontal cell) → Bipolar cell → (Amacrine cell) → Retina ganglion cell (Midget cell, Parasol cell, Bistratified cell, Giant retina ganglion cells, Photosensitive ganglion cell) → Diencephalon: P cell, M cell, K cell, Muller glia
Other	Macula Perifoveal area Parafoveal area Fovea Foveal avascular zone Foveola Optic disc Optic cup Ora serrata

Anatomical regions
of the eye

Anterior segment	Adnexa (Eyebrow, Eyelid, Conjunctiva, Lacrimal system, Orbit) Fibrous tunic Anterior chamber Aqueous humour Iris Posterior chamber Ciliary body Lens Capsule of lens Zonule of Zinn
Posterior segment	Vitreous chamber Vitreous body Retina Choroid