Final answer:
The conjunctival sac or fornix conjunctiva is where the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva meet. It serves a protective and lubricating function for the eye.
Step-by-step explanation:
The loose pocket where the palpebral conjunctiva and bulbar conjunctiva meet is known as the conjunctival sac or the fornix conjunctiva. The palpebral conjunctiva is the membrane attached to the inner surface of the eyelids, and the bulbar conjunctiva covers the anterior surface of the sclera, not the cornea. The area where the eyelids connect to the eyeballs is protected and lubricated by the conjunctiva, which also serves as a site where tears produced by the lacrimal gland wash away foreign particles. Additionally, the conjunctiva contributes to the immune defense of the eye by harboring a normal microbial community that helps to defend against pathogens.