What is the thickest corneal layer?

Prepare for the JCAT Open Book 10 and 11 test with our comprehensive quiz. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Ace your exam with ease!

The stroma is indeed the thickest layer of the cornea, constituting about 90% of its total thickness. It is made up of a dense network of collagen fibers that provide strength and maintain the cornea's shape, which is crucial for its function in focusing light into the eye. The arrangement of these fibers allows for a high degree of transparency, which is essential for vision.

In contrast, the epithelium is a much thinner layer, serving primarily as a protective barrier against environmental damage and keeping the underlying layers hydrated. Descemet's membrane, while important in providing structural support and acting as a basement membrane for the endothelium, is thin relative to the stroma. Finally, the endothelium, which is a single layer of cells responsible for maintaining corneal hydration and clarity, is even thinner than the other layers and plays a critical role in corneal function but contributes minimally to the cornea's overall thickness.

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