TARSAL PLATE Meaning and
Definition
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The tarsal plate refers to a critical anatomical structure found within the eyelids. It is a thick, dense, and semirigid band of fibrous tissue that forms the framework for the eyelids, providing them with stability and shape. Situated horizontally, the tarsal plates serve as a platform for the attachment of various muscles responsible for eyelid movement and control.
Embedded within the tarsal plate are the meibomian glands, which secrete the oily component of tears, playing a crucial role in maintaining proper tear film lubrication and preventing tear evaporation. These glands open onto the margins of the eyelids, providing a conduit for their secretions to reach the ocular surface.
The tarsal plate also houses the tarsal conjunctiva, a smooth inner lining that covers its anterior surface. This conjunctival tissue is continuous with the rest of the conjunctiva, which lines the inner surface of the eyelids and extends onto the white part of the eye.
The presence of the tarsal plate enhances the structural integrity and durability of the eyelids, allowing them to resist deformation and maintain their shape during blinking and other eye movements. Moreover, it contributes to the overall protection of the eyes by serving as a barrier against external forces and shielding underlying ocular structures from potential injuries.
In summary, the tarsal plates are fibrous structures that form the framework of the eyelids, providing them with shape, stability, and resistance. They house important glands and help maintain the normal physiology and anatomical integrity of the eyes.
Etymology of TARSAL PLATE
The word "tarsal" is derived from the Latin term "tarsus", which refers to the ankle or the flat of the foot. "Tarsus" itself has Greek origins, coming from the word "tarssō" meaning "to trample".
The word "plate" in this context refers to a flat and thin piece of material. It comes from the Old French word "plate", which ultimately derives from the Latin word "plata", meaning "thin piece of metal or flat object".
Therefore, the term "tarsal plate" combines the Latin word "tarsus" with the Old French word "plate" to refer to the flat bony structure found in the eyelid, which resembles a thin, flat object present in the anatomical region of the ankle or foot.
