Eyelashes
Eyelashes
Eyelashes (/ˈaɪˌlæʃ/, from Old English ēaglǣsca) are a feature of the human body that protect the eye from debris and perform some of the same function as whiskers do on a cat or a mouse in the sense that they are sensitive to being touched, thus providing a warning that an object (such as an insect or dust) is near the eye, which is then closed reflexively.
Anatomy
Eyelashes are hairs that grow at the edge of the eyelid. They are made up of keratinized, stratified squamous epithelium. This is the same type of tissue that makes up the outermost layer of the human skin. Eyelashes grow in three layers on the edge of the eye lids. Eyelashes take about seven to eight weeks to grow back if pulled out, but constant pulling may lead to permanent damage.
Function
Eyelashes protect the eye from debris and perform some of the same functions as whiskers do on a cat or a mouse in the sense that they are sensitive to being touched, thus providing a warning that an object (such as an insect or dust) is near the eye, which is then closed reflexively.
Related Terms
- Eyebrow: The arch of hair above each eye.
- Eyelid: A thin fold of skin that covers and protects the eye.
- Keratin: A type of protein that makes up hair, nails, and the outer layer of skin.
- Stratified squamous epithelium: The type of tissue that makes up the outermost layer of the human skin.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Eyelashes
- Wikipedia's article - Eyelashes
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