• Makes up around 99% of the cells in the lens

 

Dimensions:

• Length: up to 12mm

• Cross section: 4µm by 7µm

 

Shape & Structure:

• Shape: Hexagonal 

• Structure: Long, thin and transparent, arranged as concentric rings.

• Lens fibre lamellae have minimal intercellular space

  • This is due to the close proximity of each neighbouring fibre cell 

    • These cells link via gap junctions or ‘ball and socket’ joints and desmosomes

 

• Anterior lens fibre inserts between epithelium and mature organelle-deficient lens fibres.

• Over time, new fibres are layered on top the older ones

  • This creates the layered onion structure

 

• Fibre cells contain a high concentration of crystallins

• Involved in TRANSPARENCY of the lens