Final answer:
The palpebral conjunctiva is the mucous membrane that covers the inside of the eyelids and the anterior surface of the eye, serving a protective function and forming part of the eye's defense system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The membrane that covers the inside of the eyelids and the anterior surface of the eye is called the palpebral conjunctiva. This mucous membrane serves a protective function for the eye and extends over the sclera, which is the white area of the eye, connecting the eyelids to the eyeball. The conjunctiva is an important part of the eye's defense system, as it helps to wash away foreign particles with the help of tears, which are produced by the lacrimal gland.
Embedded within the structure of the eye are three layers of tissue. The outermost layer is the fibrous tunic, comprising the sclera and cornea, which permits light entry into the eye. The vascular tunic includes the choroid, ciliary body, and iris, which is responsible for controlling the size of the pupil. Lastly, the innermost layer is the neural tunic or retina, which is essential for photoreception. Together, these components work to enable vision, which is the transduction of light stimuli so we can see.