Lens cortex

Lens cortex is the outermost layer of the eye lens, which is a transparent, biconvex structure in the eye that, along with the cornea, helps to refract light to be focused on the retina. The lens cortex is made up of elongated, transparent cells and is responsible for the lens's elastic properties.

Structure

The lens cortex is composed of lens fiber cells, which are elongated, transparent cells that are filled with crystallins, a type of protein. These cells are arranged in concentric layers, or lamellae, and are connected by gap junctions, which allow for communication and transport between cells. The lens cortex is surrounded by the lens capsule, a thin, transparent membrane that encloses the entire lens.

Function

The primary function of the lens cortex is to provide the lens with its elastic properties. This elasticity allows the lens to change shape, or accommodate, to focus light onto the retina. The lens cortex also plays a role in maintaining the transparency of the lens, which is essential for clear vision.

Pathology

Damage or changes to the lens cortex can lead to a number of vision problems. For example, cataracts, a common age-related condition, occur when the proteins in the lens cortex clump together, causing the lens to become cloudy and impairing vision. Other conditions, such as cortical cataract, specifically affect the lens cortex.

See also

• Lens (anatomy)
• Lens capsule (anatomy)
• Cataract
• Cortical cataract