DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY. 
209 
proper substance, and is the membrane that protrudes when the 
superficial layers are lacerated or cut, either by traumatic in¬ 
juries or accidental surgical wounds. The protrusion of this 
membrane through a superficial opening forms a hernia ( kera- 
tocele , sometimes called Descemet's hernia ). This membrane 
may be considered the basement membrane of the serous coat 
of the anterior chamber of the eye ; it is continuous with the 
basement membrane of the serous coat that lines the anterior 
part of the iris. 
5. Posterior endothelial layer consists of a single layer of en¬ 
dothelial cells, differing from those of other serous membranes 
in the absence of stomata, which makes it impossible for the 
aqueous humor to enter the lymph radicles of the cornea. 
This part of the serous membrane of the anterior and pos¬ 
terior chambers, contributes its mite toward producing the 
FIG. 48. 
CILIARY REGION OF THE EYE. 
A, sclera; B, cornea; C, ciliary muscle ; D, iris; E, lens ;. F, posterior chamber; G, posterior 
chamber. 
1, meridinal fibres; 2. radiating fibres; 3, circular fibres; 4, anterior ciliary artery; 5, canal 
of Schlemm ; 6, circular fibres of iris ; 7, meridinal fibres of iris ; 8, canal of Petit ; 9, suspensory 
ligaments of lens ; 10, ciliary process ; 11, spaces of Fontana. 
