eye_upper_slim part of part of squamous epithelial cell corneal epithelial cell BTO:0004298 ZFA:0009264 Corneal epithelial cells are a specialized cell type that form the outermost layer of the cornea, the transparent dome-shaped tissue that covers the front of the eye. The corneal epithelium is 5-7 cells thick and is comprised of inner basal cells, middle wing cells and superficial squamous cells. The corneal epithelium plays a crucial role in the maintenance of corneal transparency, protection against external insults, and the refractive power of the cornea. This cell type is responsible for the formation of tight junctions, desmosomes, and hemidesmosomes, which provide structural support to the corneal epithelium and prevent the infiltration of foreign particles and microorganisms. Corneal epithelial cells also have a unique and highly organized cytoskeleton that confers mechanical integrity and limits the penetration of foreign substances. Additionally, corneal epithelial cells secrete a variety of proteins and lipids that help to maintain the hydration and clarity of the cornea. These include mucins, which form a lubricating layer that facilitates blinking and limits dryness, and crystallins, which appear to protect against UV- and oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. Dysfunction of corneal epithelial cells due to infections, inflammation, or injury can lead to corneal opacity, scarring, and impaired vision. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.) FMA:70551 https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_0000575 epithelial cell of cornea An epithelial cell of the cornea. CALOHA:TS-0173 general ecto-epithelial cell corneal epithelium