Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026
05:15
Isolation of Intact Eyeball to Obtain Integral Ocular Surface Tissue for Histological Examination and Immunohistochemistry
Published on: October 20, 2019
8.4K
Merkel cell distribution in the human eyelid
1Dresden University of Technology. Albrecht.May@mailbox.tu-dresden.de.
European Journal of Histochemistry : EJH
|January 21, 2014
Summary
Merkel cells are rare in adult human eyelids, primarily found in the outer root sheath of eyelash follicles. Their scarcity makes their specific physiological role in eyelid function difficult to determine.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Ophthalmology
- Histology
Background:
- Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a recognized malignancy of the eyelid.
- However, the normal distribution and density of Merkel cells within the adult eyelid tissue remain poorly understood.
- This knowledge gap hinders a complete understanding of eyelid carcinogenesis and physiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution and density of Merkel cells in human cadaver eyelid tissue.
- To correlate the findings with known localizations of Merkel cell carcinoma.
Main Methods:
- Serial sections of 18 human cadaver eyelids (ages 63-97) were prepared.
- Immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratin 20 was performed.
- Merkel cell distribution was analyzed across different eyelid regions and depths.
Main Results:
- Merkel cells were found to be infrequent in the adult eyelid samples.
- The primary location of Merkel cells was the outer root sheath of cilia hair follicles.
- Cells were more numerous in the mid-portion of the eyelid, with minimal presence at nasal and temporal edges.
Conclusions:
- The observed distribution of Merkel cells aligns with common sites of Merkel cell carcinoma development.
- The low density of Merkel cells in adulthood suggests a potentially limited or specialized physiological role in the eyelid.
- Further research may be needed to elucidate the exact function of these cells in ocular adnexa.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Cells of the Epidermis
7.2K
The epidermis is made of four or five layers of epithelial cells, depending on its location in the body. From deep to superficial, these layers are the stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, and stratum corneum.
The cells in all these layers except the stratum basale are called keratinocytes, a type of cell that manufactures and stores the protein keratin. The keratinocytes in the stratum corneum are dead and regularly slough away, being replaced by cells from...
The cells in all these layers except the stratum basale are called keratinocytes, a type of cell that manufactures and stores the protein keratin. The keratinocytes in the stratum corneum are dead and regularly slough away, being replaced by cells from...
7.2K
01:22Microbiome of the Eye
67
The human eye has a specialized microbiota that reflects its unique anatomical and immunological environment. This low-biomass microbial community predominantly colonizes the conjunctiva and eyelid margins, playing a vital role in ocular surface homeostasis and defense. Despite its proximity to the richly colonized facial skin, the ocular surface maintains a distinct microbial profile due to continuous mechanical and biochemical defense mechanisms.The conjunctival surface hosts fewer microbial...
67
01:20Anatomy of the Eyeball
8.6K
The eye is a spherical, hollow structure composed of three tissue layers. The outer layer — the fibrous tunic, comprises the sclera — a white structure — and the cornea, which is transparent. The sclera encompasses some of the ocular surface, most of which is not visible. However, the 'white of the eye' is distinctively visible in humans compared to other species. The cornea, a clear covering at the front of the eye, enables light penetration. The eye's middle...
8.6K