Which layer of the cornea is responsible for maintaining corneal dehydration?

Which layer of the cornea is responsible for maintaining corneal dehydration?

• A. Epithelium
• B. Stroma
• C. Endothelium
• D. Bowman's Layer

Answer: (C)

The endothelium is the innermost layer of the cornea and plays a crucial role in maintaining corneal dehydration. It does this by actively pumping sodium ions out of the corneal stroma, which helps to maintain the cornea's transparency and prevent excessive swelling. This transport mechanism creates an osmotic gradient that draws water from the stroma back into the anterior chamber of the eye, ensuring that the stroma remains relatively dry and allowing the cornea to maintain its optimal optical properties. In contrast, the epithelium serves primarily as a protective barrier and is involved in absorbing nutrients and moisture from the tear film, while Bowman's layer acts as an additional protective layer and provides structural support but is not directly involved in fluid regulation. The stroma, being the thickest layer of the cornea, contains collagen fibers that contribute to corneal strength and shape, but it relies on the endothelium to regulate hydration levels effectively. Thus, the endothelium is key in preserving the health and transparency of the cornea through its dehydrating actions.

The endothelium is the innermost layer of the cornea and plays a crucial role in maintaining corneal dehydration. It does this by actively pumping sodium ions out of the corneal stroma, which helps to maintain the cornea's transparency and prevent excessive swelling. This transport mechanism creates an osmotic gradient that draws water from the stroma back into the anterior chamber of the eye, ensuring that the stroma remains relatively dry and allowing the cornea to maintain its optimal optical properties.

In contrast, the epithelium serves primarily as a protective barrier and is involved in absorbing nutrients and moisture from the tear film, while Bowman's layer acts as an additional protective layer and provides structural support but is not directly involved in fluid regulation. The stroma, being the thickest layer of the cornea, contains collagen fibers that contribute to corneal strength and shape, but it relies on the endothelium to regulate hydration levels effectively. Thus, the endothelium is key in preserving the health and transparency of the cornea through its dehydrating actions.