State the function of the sclera.

The function of the sclera is to provide structural support and protection for the eye. It is the tough, white outer layer of the eye that helps maintain the shape of the eyeball and provides attachment points for the muscles that control eye movement. Additionally, the sclera helps to maintain the pressure within the eye and protects the delicate inner structures of the eye from damage.

The sclera is the white, tough outer layer of the eye that provides the following functions:

- Protection: It protects the inner structures of the eye from physical trauma, foreign objects, and infections.
- Shape and Support: It maintains the eye's spherical shape and provides structural support for the internal components, including the retina and lens.
- Collagen and Integrity: The sclera is composed primarily of collagen fibers, which give it its strength and rigidity, ensuring the structural integrity of the eye.
- Insertion of Extraocular Muscles: The extraocular muscles, responsible for eye movement, attach to the sclera, allowing for precise eye control.
- Nutrient Supply: It contains blood vessels that nourish the outer layers of the eye, such as the conjunctiva and cornea.