Copy 1, Volume 1

Elements of pathological anatomy / By Samuel D. Gross.

  • Gross, Samuel D. (Samuel David), 1805-1884.
Date:
1839
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Elements of pathological anatomy / By Samuel D. Gross. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    505/540 (page 489)
    SECT. 11. ] CONJUNCTIVITIS. | A489 and hence the great frequency of its diseases, with the diver- sity of their progress and mode of termination. The conjunctiva is a thin, mucous membrane, lining the posterior surface of the lids and the front of the ball of the . eye, which it thus connects together. Near the inner angle it is folded upon itself, so as to form what is denominated the semi-lunar valve, and as it is prolonged into the lacrymal points, it may be considered as being directly continuous with the mucous membrane of the tear-bag and of the chambers of the nose. The conjunctiva is exceedingly delicate and transparent, devoid of follicles and villosities, loose and pale on the sclerotica, firm, and rose-colored on the lids. ‘The membrane also covers the cornea, but its structure here is so much changed that it can no longer be recognized. At the margin of the lids, where it is continuous with the skin, it is reflected into the Meibomian follicles, —a number of narrow, whitish, tortuous glands, designed to secrete an unctuous fluid for lubricating the eye. The connection between the conjunctiva and the sclerotica is established through the medium of a pretty thick layer of cellular tissue, which, from the character it plays in the dis- eases of the eye, deserves to be dignified with the appellation of the ocular fascia. When carefully dissected out, it is found to be semi-transparent, strong and elastic, disappearing gradually upon the posterior part of the ball. It is remarka- bly well developed in the horse and ox, and I have always suceeded in making it out distinctly in the human subject. Considered in reference to its functions, it is of the same use to the conjunctiva that the cellulo-fibrous tunic, so well de- — scribed by Cruveilhier, is to the stomach and bowels. | It is the exclusive seat, in most instances, of the vascularity which characterizes inflammation of the sclerotic portion of the con- junctiva, and of the effusions attending it, whether of serosity, of lymph, of blood, or of pus. Acute conjunctivitis is announced by more or less redness, which usually begins at the palpebral portion of the mem- brane, and gradually extends to that over the sclerotica. ‘The injection is at first arborescent ; by and by it becomes capilli- form, and, in certain cases, it is so close as to give the organ the appearance of being blood-shot. With this augmented redness, the membrane loses its natural polish, the temperature of the part is augmented, its sensibility is altered, and there is a suppression of the mucous as well as of the lacrymal secre-