This image was obtained as part of a first-pass anatomical study of the eyelid of the mouse. Alex Straiker, a Senior Research Scientist with the Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, explains “Our work has offered evidence that cannabinoids play a role in corneal wound healing and that CB1 cannabinoid receptors are present in corneal epithelial cells. But where are endogenous cannabinoids produced? One candidate site for production is the eyelid’s tarsal glands. Since we were relatively unfamiliar with eyelid structures, this series of images was intended as an initial survey. We were surprised by the complexity (and beauty) of the eyelid structures. This image shows muscle, hair follicles, epithelium and a cactus-like gland.” Image Courtesy of Alex Straiker, Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University Bloomington, USA.
