Comprising 90% of total corneal thickness, it is made mostly of regularly aligned collagen lamellae and a sparse population of stromal keratocytes.
Keratocytes help with collagen turnover and wound healing.
These cells are interconnected via gap junctions, even across layers, enabling coordinated inflammatory responses during injury.
🔹 2. Descemet’s Membrane
A dual-layered basement membrane secreted by endothelial cells.
The anterior banded layer is formed before birth and provides mechanical support.
The posterior non-banded layer thickens with age and may form Hassal-Henle bodies, a normal aging sign.
Excessive thickening can lead to corneal guttata, impairing endothelial function.
🔹 3. Corneal Endothelium
A monolayer of metabolically active cuboidal cells, located on the inner corneal surface.
Tight junctions regulate aqueous fluid inflow.
Gap junctions enable communication between cells.
The leaky barrier property allows nutrients like glucose and amino acids to pass from the anterior chamber. → Endothelial failure leads to corneal edema and vision impairment.
📊 Summary Table (English)
LayerStructure & RoleAging / Pathologic Features
Corneal Stroma
90% of corneal bulk, collagen + keratocytes
Interlayer communication, inflammation response
Descemet’s Membrane
ECM-based bilayer, age-thickening posteriorly
Hassal-Henle body (normal), Corneal guttata (pathologic)
Corneal Endothelium
Active monolayer, tight/gap junctions, leaky nutrient uptake
