Descemet's Membrane is also known as
- the Posterior limiting lamina,
- the Posterior elastic lamina,
- the Lamina elastica posterior, and
- the Membrane of Demours.
(These synonyms are mentioned for information but are not necessarily
included as separate entries in this glossary. Where multiple
entries are included the synonym text links to them.
Note that 3 of the 4 synonyms listed above include the term "posterior"
- consistent with Descemet's Membrane being the deepest,
rather than the most superficial, layer of the cornea.)
Descemet's Membrane is the thin layer of tissue (called
a "membrane") that forms the deepest layer of
the stroma (i.e. the connective tissue) of the cornea
of the eye.
Gray's
Anatomy (1901) describes the Descemet's Membrane
as consisting "... of an elastic, and perfectly transparent homogeneous
membrane, of extreme thinness, which is not rendered opaque by either
water, alcohol, or acids. It is very brittle, but its most remarkable
property is its extreme elasticity, and the tendency which it presents
to curl up, or roll upon itself, with the attached surface innermost,
when seperated from the proper substance of the cornea".
Descemet's Membrane ranges in thickness between 3 µm
(at birth) to 8-10 µm (in adults).
Descemet's membrane is named after French Anatomist,
Jean Descemet (1732 - 1810).
More about Ophthalmology: This section includes short
definitions of parts of the eye.
For definitions of other terms in this category, choose from the list
to the left (not a complete list). Other related pages include a diagram
of the eye, a description
of the human retina, definitions
of parts of the retina, short
definitions of many diseases, disorders, and conditions of the eyes and
visual system and a section of short definitions
of clinical and surgical procedures re. eyes and human visual system.
For further information see also our section of Books
about Ophthalmology.
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