Stroma
Definition
- The supportive framework of an organ (or gland or other structure), usually composed of connective tissue. The stroma is distinct from the parenchyma, which consists of the key functional elements of that organ. For example, the stroma of the thyroid gland is the connective tissue that supports the lobules and follicles of the thyroid gland.
- In the eye, it is one of the layers making up the cornea. It lies beneath the epithelium and the membrane called the Bowman's membrane.It is composed of tiny collagen fibrils that run parallel to each other. This special formation of the collagen fibrils gives the cornea its clarity. This whole layer making up the anatomy of the cornea pumps water from the cornea, keeping it clear. If damaged or disease, these cells will not regenerate.Stroma is not often of great interest to the dry eye patient as most of our problems are on the surface epithelium. There may be exceptional cases ofcourse.
External Links
For further information regarding the anatomy of the eye refer to the following links :
