TARSAL PLATES Meaning and
Definition
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Tarsal plates are anatomical structures located within the eyelids or palpebrae of mammals, including humans. They are semirigid, curved plates made of dense connective tissue known as tarsal fibrocartilage.
These plates are primarily found within the upper and lower eyelids and serve several crucial functions. Firstly, they provide structural support to the eyelids, helping maintain their shape and preventing them from collapsing. Additionally, the tarsal plates contain meibomian glands, which secrete an oily substance called meibum. Meibum helps to lubricate the surface of the eye and prevents tear evaporation, contributing to the overall health and comfort of the eyes.
The tarsal plates also play a vital role in the opening and closing movements of the eyelids. They contain the tarsal muscles, including the levator palpebrae superioris muscle responsible for raising the upper eyelid. These muscles facilitate eyelid movements necessary for blinking, protecting the eyes from external irritants, and aiding in tear distribution over the ocular surface.
In ophthalmology, the tarsal plates are crucial landmarks and are often assessed during eye examinations. Certain conditions, such as inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis) or improper functioning of the meibomian glands (meibomian gland dysfunction), can affect the tarsal plates and lead to symptoms like dry eye, redness, and irritation.
Overall, tarsal plates are essential components of the eyelids, contributing to their structure, function, and overall eye health.
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Tarsus superior and tarsus inferior.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for TARSAL PLATES
- rarsal plates
- farsal plates
- garsal plates
- yarsal plates
- 6arsal plates
- 5arsal plates
- tzrsal plates
- tsrsal plates
- twrsal plates
- tqrsal plates
- taesal plates
- tadsal plates
- tafsal plates
- tatsal plates
- ta5sal plates
- ta4sal plates
- taraal plates
- tarzal plates
- tarxal plates
- tardal plates
Etymology of TARSAL PLATES
The word "tarsal" can be traced back to the Latin word "tarsus", meaning the framework or the rim of the eyelid. This term was borrowed from Greek "tarsos", which also refers to the eyelid rim. The term "tarsal plates" specifically refers to the cartilaginous structures that form the framework of the upper and lower eyelids.
