Eyelash
Eyelash
Eyelash (/ˈaɪˌlæʃ/), also known as cilia (from Latin cilium meaning 'eyelid'), is a hair that grows at the edge of the eyelids. They protect the eye from small particles, dust, sweat, and debris to prevent them from getting into the eyes.
Etymology
The term "eyelash" originates from the Old English ēaglǣsca, which is a compound of ēage 'eye' and lǣsca 'lash'. The Latin term cilium can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root kel meaning 'to cover, conceal, or save'.
Anatomy
Eyelashes, like other types of hair in the body, follow a specific growth cycle and are continuously replaced by new growth. The Human eyelash has a lifespan of approximately three months.
Function
The primary function of eyelashes is to protect the eyes from small particles such as dust, sand, and debris from entering the eyes. They also provide a warning system for the eyes. When objects come close to the eyelashes, they provide a warning that an object (such as an insect or dust) is near the eye, which is then closed reflexively.
Related Terms
- Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelash follicles.
- Trichiasis: A condition in which the eyelashes grow in the wrong direction, towards the eye.
- Distichiasis: A disorder defined by the growth of eyelashes from an abnormal spot.
- Madarosis: Loss of eyelashes.
- Poliosis: Whitening or graying of the hair, including the eyelashes.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Eyelash
- Wikipedia's article - Eyelash
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski