Superior conjunctival fornix - Eye - Orbital cavity - e-Anatomy
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Superior conjunctival fornix

Fornix superior conjunctivae

Definition

Antoine Micheau & Muhammad A. Javaid

The superior conjunctival fornix is the upper loose fold of the conjunctiva formed at the reflection of the palpebral conjunctiva onto the bulbar conjunctiva. It lies between the upper eyelid and the superior part of the eyeball and forms the superior part of the conjunctival sac.

Functions

Structurally, the superior conjucntival fornix is loose, elastic, and highly mobile, allowing free movement of the eyeball and eyelids. It also acts as a reservoir for tears, and contributes to lubrication and immune protection of the ocular surface.

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References

  • Standring, S. (Ed.). (2015). Eye (Chapter 42). In Gray's anatomy: The anatomical basis of clinical practice (41st ed., pp. ). Churchill Livingstone.

  • Shumway CL, Motlagh M, Wade M. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Eye Conjunctiva. [Updated 2023 Aug 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519502/

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