Tarsus (eyelids)

Sagittal section of the eyelid, showing the tarsus (at right).

The tarsus (plural: tarsi) is a dense connective tissue found in the eyelid. It provides the necessary stiffness and shape to the eyelid, playing a crucial role in the mechanism of blinking and tear distribution.

Structure

Each eyelid contains a tarsus, which is a thin, elongated plate of dense connective tissue. The tarsi are situated close to the eyelid margin, with the superior tarsus being larger than the inferior one. The tarsi are connected to the surrounding structures by the orbital septum, levator palpebrae superioris muscle, and the inferior palpebral muscle.

Function

The tarsi serve as the structural backbone of the eyelids, providing them with the necessary stiffness and shape. They play a crucial role in the mechanism of blinking, which helps to spread tears across the surface of the eye to keep it moist and remove any debris.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities or damage to the tarsi can lead to various eyelid disorders, such as ptosis, ectropion, and entropion. These conditions can affect the ability to blink and distribute tears properly, potentially leading to dryness, irritation, and even damage to the eye.

See also

• Meibomian gland
• Blepharitis
• Chalazion
• Hordeolum

References

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