Which corneal layer is also known as the limiting membrane?

Which corneal layer is also known as the limiting membrane?

• A. Epithelium
• B. Descemet's membrane
• C. Stroma
• D. Bowman's membrane

Answer: (D)

Bowman's membrane, also called Bowman's layer, is the anterior limiting membrane of the cornea. It lies between the epithelium and the stroma and serves as the boundary that helps define the front surface of the cornea. This is why it’s referred to as the limiting membrane—the front boundary that limits how far the epithelium can extend into the stromal tissue. In contrast, Descemet's membrane is the posterior basement membrane of the endothelium and is not the anterior limiting membrane, and the epithelium or stroma themselves are not described as the limiting membranes.

Bowman's membrane, also called Bowman's layer, is the anterior limiting membrane of the cornea. It lies between the epithelium and the stroma and serves as the boundary that helps define the front surface of the cornea. This is why it’s referred to as the limiting membrane—the front boundary that limits how far the epithelium can extend into the stromal tissue. In contrast, Descemet's membrane is the posterior basement membrane of the endothelium and is not the anterior limiting membrane, and the epithelium or stroma themselves are not described as the limiting membranes.