Anatomy: corneal layers: practice question

A Ophthalmology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Ophthalmology · Anatomy: corneal layers

Sample item

From anterior to posterior, which sequence of corneal layers is correct?

AEpithelium, stroma, Bowman layer, Descemet membrane, Dua layer, endotheliumBBowman layer, epithelium, stroma, Descemet membrane, endothelium, Dua layerCEpithelium, Descemet membrane, stroma, Bowman layer, endothelium, Dua layerDEpithelium, Bowman layer, stroma, Dua layer, Descemet membrane, endothelium

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Epithelium, Bowman layer, stroma, Dua layer, Descemet membrane, endothelium

The cornea has an epithelium, Bowman layer, stroma, the recently described pre-Descemet Dua layer, Descemet membrane and endothelium. Bowman layer lies directly below the epithelium and does not regenerate. Descemet membrane is the basement membrane of the endothelium.

Option by option

A. Epithelium, stroma, Bowman layer, Descemet membrane, Dua layer, endothelium
Bowman layer lies anterior to the stroma, not behind it.
B. Bowman layer, epithelium, stroma, Descemet membrane, endothelium, Dua layer
The epithelium is the most anterior layer, in front of Bowman layer.
C. Epithelium, Descemet membrane, stroma, Bowman layer, endothelium, Dua layer
Descemet membrane lies behind the stroma, and Bowman layer is in front of it.
D. Epithelium, Bowman layer, stroma, Dua layer, Descemet membrane, endothelium (correct)
Correct. This is the accepted anterior to posterior order.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is D, Epithelium, Bowman layer, stroma, Dua layer, Descemet membrane, endothelium. The cornea has an epithelium, Bowman layer, stroma, the recently described pre-Descemet Dua layer, Descemet membrane and endothelium.

Why is "Epithelium, stroma, Bowman layer, Descemet membrane, Dua layer, endot…" not the answer?

Bowman layer lies anterior to the stroma, not behind it.

Why is "Bowman layer, epithelium, stroma, Descemet membrane, endothelium, Dua…" not the answer?

The epithelium is the most anterior layer, in front of Bowman layer.

Why is "Epithelium, Descemet membrane, stroma, Bowman layer, endothelium, Dua…" not the answer?

Descemet membrane lies behind the stroma, and Bowman layer is in front of it.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Anatomy: corneal layers in Ophthalmology. Bowman layer lies directly below the epithelium and does not regenerate. Descemet membrane is the basement membrane of the endothelium.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Anatomy: corneal layers?

Group the red eye by what to examine and what the pupil does. Then use the flashcards and the other Ophthalmology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.