Which membrane lines the inner surface of the eyelids and covers the anterior surface of the sclera?

• A. Retina
• B. Cornea
• C. Conjunctiva
• D. Iris

Answer: (C)

Conjunctiva is the thin mucous membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids (palpebral conjunctiva) and covers the anterior surface of the sclera (bulbar conjunctiva). It forms a continuous sheet as it meets the eye at the limbus and folds back to create the fornices. This membrane keeps the eye moist with mucus secreted by goblet cells, provides a protective barrier against dust and microbes, and contains blood vessels that can make the eye look red when inflamed. It’s distinct from the retina (the light‑sensitive tissue at the back of the eye), the cornea (the clear front window of the eye), and the iris (the colored part that controls pupil size).