Schwalbe's line is a continuation of which corneal structure?

Schwalbe's line is a continuation of which corneal structure?

• A. Descemet's membrane
• B. Bowman's membrane
• C. Corneal epithelium
• D. Conjunctival tissue

Answer: (A)

Schwalbe's line marks the end of Descemet's membrane at the corneoscleral junction. Descemet's membrane is the basement membrane secreted by the corneal endothelium, and as you reach the limbus it terminates, continuing as this thin, distinct line. Bowman's membrane sits anterior to the stroma and does not extend to the limbus in the same way, the corneal epithelium ends at the limbus as well, and conjunctival tissue covers the sclera outside the cornea. So the line is the continuation of Descemet's membrane.

Schwalbe's line marks the end of Descemet's membrane at the corneoscleral junction. Descemet's membrane is the basement membrane secreted by the corneal endothelium, and as you reach the limbus it terminates, continuing as this thin, distinct line. Bowman's membrane sits anterior to the stroma and does not extend to the limbus in the same way, the corneal epithelium ends at the limbus as well, and conjunctival tissue covers the sclera outside the cornea. So the line is the continuation of Descemet's membrane.