Is the corneal endothelium lipophilic or hydrophilic?

The corneal endothelium is primarily considered to be hydrophilic, which means it has an affinity for water. The endothelial cells are tightly packed and function to regulate fluid and solute transport between the aqueous humor and the stroma of the cornea. This regulation is crucial for maintaining corneal transparency and optimal hydration levels.

These cells contain specialized ion channels and pumps, such as the Na+/K+ ATPase, which work to create a barrier that allows selective permeability for water and small solutes while preventing the passage of larger molecules. This is indicative of a hydrophilic nature because hydrophilic cells generally interact favorably with aqueous environments.

In contrast, lipophilic components, while relevant in certain cellular contexts, do not adequately describe the behavior or characteristics of the corneal endothelium in relation to water and solute permeability. Therefore, while this question may seem complex, understanding the essential role of the corneal endothelium in maintaining proper hydration through its hydrophilic nature clarifies why the label of "lipophilic" is not appropriate in this context.