Blood vessels of the bulbar conjunctiva in man

Abstract

(1) The minute blood vessels in the bulbar conjunctiva were studied in two groups of normal subjects. The appearance of the various vascular structures is described. (2) The most striking feature of these blood vessels is the frequent occurrence of arterio-venous communications, larger in diameter than the capillaries, and frequently tortuous in course and irregular in calibre. These vessels resemble the thoroughfare channels previously described in the mesentery of animals. (3) A structural pattern of architecture of the minute vessels exists, but to a limited degree, and is certainly not as complete as described in the mesentery of animals. (4) No arterio-venous anastomoses were seen. The need for structural definition of arterio-venous anastomoses is stressed.