The sclerotic coat is another
term for the sclera (also
known as the the sclerotic).
The sclerotic coat is
the tough white sheath that forms the outer-layer of the ball.
In all cases these names are due to the the extreme density and hardness
of the sclerotic (sclerotic layer). It is a firm fibrous membrane that
maintains the shape of the eye as an approximately globe shape. It is
much thicker
towards the back/posterior aspect of the eye than towards the front/anterior
of the eye.
The white sclerotic continues around the eye; most of which is not visible
while the eyeball is located in its socket within the face/skull. The
main area of the eye that is not covered by the area is the front part
of the eye that is protected by the transparent cornea instead.
The Structure of the Sclera
The sclerotic is composed of white fibrous tissue intermixed with fine
elastic fibers and corpuscles of flattened connective-tissue. These fibers
are grouped together in bundles.
Blood supply to the sclera is via small
(but not very numerous) interlinking
capillaries.
The nerves connected to the sclera are from the ciliary nerves.
For further detail we recommend Gray's
Anatomy - an excellent general text that is informative yet inexpensive.
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