Conjunctiva
- Pronunciation
- /kon-juhn-KTI-vah/
- Category
- Medical Anatomy
- Singular
- Conjunctiva
- Plural
- Conjunctivae
Definition
The transparent membrane that covers the front part of the eye, including the surface of the eyeball and the inner surface of the eyelids. Note: this term is used in medical terminology primarily related to human anatomy, not entomology or arachnology.
Etymology
From Latin *conjunctivus*, meaning 'joining' or 'connecting'.
Example
The conjunctiva helps to protect the eye from foreign particles and lubricates the surface of the eyeball.
Related Terms
- Eye
- Eyelids
- Mucous membrane