Accessory structures of the eye

Eyebrows

Located superior to the eye, partially shade the eyes, and protect them from sweat

Eyelids

Located over the eye, blink to moisten the eye and sweep foreign substances from the eye’s surface

Eyelashes

Located on the margin of the eyelids and they prevent foreign substances from entering the eye

Lacrimal apparatus

-Composed of the lacrimal (or tear) gland and lacrimal ducts

-Secretions or tears from the gland moisten the eye and washes away foreign substances

Conjunctiva

An epithelial covering on the inside of the eyelid and the anterior surface of the eye to help keep the cornea moist and clean

Oblique eye muscles

-Superior oblique rotates the eye downward and medially

-Inferior oblique rotates the eye upward and medially

Rectus eye muscles

-Four eye muscles superior, inferior, medial, and lateral rectus muscle

-Move eye up, down, medially and laterally

Sclera

-White of the eye

-Tough, tendon-like layer continuous with dura mater of the brain around optic nerve

-Shapes the eye and is the insertion point for the 6 eye movement muscles

Cornea

-Transparent to allow light into the eye

-Well-supplied with nerve endings for pain, reflex blinking, and stimulates lacrimal secretion

-Lacks blood vessels