Cellular structure of the conjunctival epithelium of rabbits.

In rabbits, five different cell types were distinguished within the superficial cell layer of the conjunctival epithelium according to their ultrastructural appearance of cell organelles. These cell types also show a characteristic distribution within the various regions of the lids. The second cell type which is not found in the conjunctiva of primates is characterized by large osmiophilic granules. It is assumed that these cells are particularly important for the production of the lipid layer of the tear film preventing the rabbit cornea from evaporation.