Adult Corneal Superficial Epithelial Cells (CE)

Adult corneal superficial epithelial cells are terminally differentiated squamous corneal epithelial cells that occupy the outer 1–3 cell layers of the epithelium. These cells have surface microvilli which function to increase the cell surface area, allowing close association with the tear film. Highly resistant tight junctions, which form between neighboring cells, provide a protective barrier against fluid loss and pathogen penetration.