Definition

1. Noun:
   • A thin membranous structure: The lens capsule is a delicate, transparent membrane that completely surrounds and encloses the crystalline lens of the eye.
   • An anatomical envelope: It serves as the basement membrane of the lens epithelium, providing structural integrity and helping to maintain the lens's shape.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • During cataract surgery, the surgeon carefully opens the anterior lens capsule to remove the cloudy lens.
  • The elasticity of the lens capsule decreases with age, affecting the eye's ability to focus on near objects.

Advanced Usage

• "Capsular bag": In ophthalmology, the intact lens capsule after removal of the lens contents is often referred to as the capsular bag, which can hold an artificial intraocular lens.
  • The artificial lens was implanted securely within the capsular bag.

Variants and Related Words

• Capsule (n): A general term for a small case or container, often membranous. In anatomy, it can refer to various enclosing structures around organs or joints.
• Capsulorrhexis (n): A surgical procedure to create a circular opening in the lens capsule.
• Capsulotomy (n): A surgical incision into the lens capsule.

Synonyms

• Lens sac: A less common synonym for the lens capsule.
• Crystalline capsule: An alternative descriptive term.

Related Phrases

• Anterior lens capsule: The front portion of the capsule.
• Posterior lens capsule: The back portion of the capsule.

Notes

The lens capsule is a key structure in ocular physiology and ophthalmic surgery. It is composed primarily of type IV collagen and is one of the thickest basement membranes in the body. Its health and integrity are crucial for successful cataract surgery and lens implantation.

Noun

1. a tenuous mesoblastic membrane surrounding the lens of the eye