[TA] a transparent homogeneous acellular layer, 6-9 mcm thick, lying between the basal layer of the outer of stratified corneal epithelium and the substantia propria of the cornea; considered to be a basement membrane. SYN: lamina limitans anterior corneae [TA], anterior elastic layer, anterior limiting layer of cornea, anterior limiting ring, Bowman layer, Bowman membrane, lamina elastica anterior, Schwalbe ring.