Final answer:
Conjunctiva is the mucous membrane that lines the underside of each eyelid. It can be infected, leading to conjunctivitis or pinkeye. Bacterial and viral infections can cause conjunctivitis, which is characterized by inflammation, redness, and discharge from the eyes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Conjunctiva is the mucous membrane that lines the underside of each eyelid. It is a frequent site of infection of the eye and is also known as pinkeye. Conjunctivitis can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, and it is characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva, redness, and discharge from the eyes. Bacterial conjunctivitis is commonly caused by Haemophilus influenzae, while viral conjunctivitis tends to produce watery discharge.