The surface of the conjunctiva in domestic ruminants. A scanning electron microscopic investigation.

The surface of the conjunctiva was investigated in goats, sheep and bovines. The lid-facing surface of the nictitating membrane carries a serrated crest. At a low magnification the areas covered by a stratified squamous epithelium appear as a mosaic. In the superior and inferior conjunctival fornices the mucous membrane has a uniform appearance. Areas of goblet cells have an irregular appearance. Four functional stages can be observed in the goblet cells. At a high magnification the superficial cells of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva are covered by microplicae. In the fornix conjunctival microvilli project over the superficial cells.