Which cell types are found in the epithelium layer of the cornea?

The epithelial layer of the cornea is primarily composed of three distinct types of cells: squamous, wing, and basal cells.

Squamous cells are flat and form the outermost layer of the epithelium, providing a barrier against environmental factors and playing a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and hydration of the cornea.

Wing cells, also known as transition cells, sit beneath the squamous layer and have a shape that resembles wings. They contribute to the structural integrity of the corneal epithelium and assist in cellular turnover by providing a source of cells that can differentiate into squamous cells.

Basal cells are located at the deepest level of the epithelial layer. They are columnar in shape and serve as the proliferative layer, meaning they divide to produce new cells that move up through the layers of the epithelium as the upper cells become shed or damaged.

This triad of cell types—squamous for surface protection, wing for transition, and basal for regeneration—ensures that the cornea maintains its function as a transparent covering that allows light to pass through while also protecting the underlying structures of the eye.