Final answer:
The cornea is the clear, front part of the eye's fibrous layer, allowing light to enter, and the sclera is the white, opaque part that forms the majority of the eye's surface.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cornea is the translucent anterior section of the fibrous layer (tunic) of the eye while the sclera is the white of the eye.
The eye is a complex organ with a layered structure. The outermost layer, known as the fibrous tunic, comprises of two main components: the sclera and the cornea. The sclera, making up five-sixths of the eye's surface, is mostly hidden from view and is recognized for its white color, which is particularly prominent in humans.
The cornea, on the other hand, is transparent and situated at the front of the eye, covering the anterior tip, and allows light to enter the eye for vision. Both the sclera and cornea are essential to the eye's function, though their roles differ. The cornea, composed of connective tissue with epithelia and elastic fibers, serves as a protective window and plays a key role in focusing incoming light, while the sclera, made of collagen and elastic fibers, provides structural support and protection for the eyeball.