The ILM found over the optic nerve formed by astrocytes is known as ________________.

The ILM found over the optic nerve formed by astrocytes is known as ________________.

• A. ILM of Elschnig
• B. ILM of Reinke
• C. ILM of Zinn
• D. ILM of Berdell

Answer: (A)

The inner limiting membrane is the boundary between the retina and the vitreous. Across most of the retina it’s formed by the endfeet of Müller cells, but over the optic nerve head this boundary is produced by astrocyte processes instead. This astrocyte-derived membrane at the optic nerve region is known as the ILM of Elschnig. That historical name specifically identifies the astrocyte contribution over the optic nerve, which is why it’s the best fit for this description. The other names refer to membranes associated with different structures or contexts and don’t describe the astrocyte-formed ILM at the optic nerve.

The inner limiting membrane is the boundary between the retina and the vitreous. Across most of the retina it’s formed by the endfeet of Müller cells, but over the optic nerve head this boundary is produced by astrocyte processes instead. This astrocyte-derived membrane at the optic nerve region is known as the ILM of Elschnig. That historical name specifically identifies the astrocyte contribution over the optic nerve, which is why it’s the best fit for this description. The other names refer to membranes associated with different structures or contexts and don’t describe the astrocyte-formed ILM at the optic nerve.