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 



