

The lamellae are connected with each other by an interstitial cement substance, in which are 

 spaces, the corneal spaces. These are stellate in shape and communicate with one another by 

 numerous offsets. Each contains a cell, the corneal corpuscle, resembling in form the space in 

 which it is lodged, but not entirely filling it. 



The layer immediately beneath the corneal epithelium presents certain characteristics which 

 have led some anatomists to regard it as a distinct membrane, and it has been named the anterior 

 elastic lamina (lamina elastica anterior; anterior limiting layer; Bowman's membrane). It differs, 

 however, from the posterior elastic lamina, in presenting evidence of fibrillar structure, and in 

 not having the same tendency to curl inward, or to undergo fracture, when detached from the 

 other layers of the cornea. It consists of extremely closely interwoven fibrils, similar to those 

 found in the substantia propria, but contains no corneal corpuscles. It may be regarded as a 

 condensed part of the substantia propria. 



The posterior elastic lamina (lamina elastica posterior; membrane of Descemet; membrane of 

 Demours) covers the posterior surface of the substantia propria, and is an elastic, transparent 

 homogeneous membrane, of extreme thinness, which is not rendered opaque by either water, 

 alcohol, or acids. When stripped from the substantia propria it curls up, or rolls upon itself 

 with the attached surface innermost. 



At the margin of the cornea the posterior elastic lamina breaks up into fibers which form 

 the trabecular tissue already described; the spaces between the trabeculse are termed the 



