The major function of the conjunctiva is to:

a. produce tears to lubricate the eyes.

b. produce mucus to prevent the eyes from drying out.

c. lubricate the eyelids so they do not stick together.

d. produce sweat to cool the eyelids.

b. produce mucus to prevent the eyes from drying out.

Explanation:

Conjunctiva is a mucous membrane which covers the underside of the eyelids, the sclera (the white of the eye) upto the limbus (the junction of cornea/ transparent portion of the eye and sclera).

It contains various mucin glands which produce mucous responsible for moistening the conjunctiva. The various mucin glands present in conjunctiva are

QUESTION:

a. produce tears to lubricate the eyes.

This is the inappropriate answer choice as tears are mostly produced by the lacrimal glands. Only a very small proportion are produced by the conjunctiva.  

b. produce mucus to prevent the eyes from drying out.

This is the correct answer and appropriate choice as mucous from conjunctival glands helps in preventing dryness of eyes.

c. lubricate the eyelids so they do not stick together.

This is the inappropriate answer choice.

d. produce sweat to cool the eyelids.

This is the incorrect answer choice as it is not the function of conjunctiva.