Which statement correctly describes Descemet's membrane?

Which statement correctly describes Descemet's membrane?

• A. It is a thin acellular layer that acts as the modified basement membrane of the corneal endothelium
• B. It contains keratocytes and collagen fibers arranged in layers
• C. It is a vascularized tissue supplying nutrients to the stroma
• D. It is another name for Bowman's membrane

Answer: (A)

Descemet's membrane is the basement membrane of the corneal endothelium. It is a thin, acellular layer secreted by the endothelial cells and lies on the posterior surface of the cornea, between the stroma and the endothelium. Because it is acellular, it does not contain keratocytes or layered collagen like the stroma does. The cornea itself is avascular, so Descemet's membrane does not supply nutrients—nutrients reach the cornea by diffusion from the tear film and aqueous humor. Bowman's membrane is a different, anterior layer between the epithelium and stroma, not Descemet's membrane. Thus describing it as a thin acellular layer that serves as the basement membrane for the corneal endothelium is correct.

Descemet's membrane is the basement membrane of the corneal endothelium. It is a thin, acellular layer secreted by the endothelial cells and lies on the posterior surface of the cornea, between the stroma and the endothelium. Because it is acellular, it does not contain keratocytes or layered collagen like the stroma does. The cornea itself is avascular, so Descemet's membrane does not supply nutrients—nutrients reach the cornea by diffusion from the tear film and aqueous humor. Bowman's membrane is a different, anterior layer between the epithelium and stroma, not Descemet's membrane. Thus describing it as a thin acellular layer that serves as the basement membrane for the corneal endothelium is correct.