THE EYE. 



417 



corneal cells have irregular processes and lie in special 

 cavities called corneal spaces, in which are also found 

 a varying number of leucocytes. These spaces seem 

 to be part of a complicated lymphatic system, and 

 communicate with each other by means of a complex 

 system of canals. While blood does not irrigate the 

 cornea, lymph does, freely and extensively. The 

 posterior elastic or Descemet's membrane resembles the 



Lymph cannliculi. 



Corneal space. 



Fig. 288. Corneal spaces of a dog (Bohm and Davidoff). 



'anterior elastic membrane, and may be separated 

 into shreds of fine, elastic, connective-tissue fibrils. 

 The endothelium of Descemet's membrane is com- 

 posed of low, hexagonal cells forming a single layer. 

 It will be found that Descemet's membrane with its 

 investing endothelium is reflected to form the an- 

 terior layer of the iris, enclosing therefor the anterior 

 portion of the aqueous chamber. 

 27 



