Corneal keratocyte
Corneal keratocyte (pronunciation: /kɔːrˈniːəl kɛrəˈtəʊsaɪt/) is a specialized cell found in the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye.
Etymology
The term "corneal keratocyte" is derived from the Greek words "kerato," meaning horn, and "cyte," meaning cell. This refers to the cell's location in the corneal stroma, a layer of the cornea that resembles the texture of horn.
Function
Corneal keratocytes play a crucial role in maintaining the transparency and refractive properties of the cornea. They are responsible for the synthesis and turnover of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is essential for corneal clarity.
Related Terms
- Cornea: The clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye.
- Keratocyte: A type of cell found in the cornea.
- Extracellular matrix (ECM): A collection of extracellular molecules secreted by cells that provides structural and biochemical support to the surrounding cells.
Pathology
In pathological conditions, such as corneal dystrophy or injury, corneal keratocytes can transform into repair cells known as myofibroblasts. These cells can cause corneal haze, a condition that impairs vision.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Corneal keratocyte
- Wikipedia's article - Corneal keratocyte
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