Sclera (Noun)
Meaning
The whitish fibrous membrane (albuginea) that with the cornea forms the outer covering and protection of the eyeball.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The transparent cornea allows light to enter the eye, while the opaque sclera provides protection for the rest of the eye.
- Aqueous humor flows between the sclera and the iris, providing the eye with the nutrients it needs to function.
- In most vertebrates, the sclera is visible as a white or pale ring around the iris and the pupil.
- Injuries to the sclera can cause intense pain and vision loss, so medical attention should be sought immediately.
- A normal adult human eye has a diameter of approximately 24 mm, with the sclera accounting for most of its size.