Ahistological study of the corneosclera layer (Fibrous tunic) of ostrich (Struthio camelus)

Authors

Department of Basic Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Ostrich is an interesting subject concerning
animal evolution and morphology studies. It has been speculated
that ostrich eyes would have distinct tissue structures and this has
not been previously studied in detail. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the
present study was to investigate the histology of the outer layer of
the ostrich. METHODS: Ten mature ostriches were chosen from an
ostrich breeding center in Jupar, Kerman, Iran. All of them were in
a good shape and healthy condition. After slaughter, their heads
were kept in 10 % formalin solution for 7 days and then the eyes were
removed. Routine histological techniques were done and 6-μmthick
sections were cut. Sections were stained with standard
hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome and PAS.
The sections were studied under a light microscope. RESULTS:The
cornea of ostrich had both dermal and sclera components and the
two distinct parts were separated by a distinct zone; in addition, the
sclera was divided into an episclera zone and a sclera proper zone.
CONCLUSIONS: The outer layer of the episclera composed of
connective fibers loosely attached to the sclera proper. The inner
layer of the sclera consisted of dense connective tissues with two
cartilaginous parts continuing over the oraserrata that composed
dense connective fibers and ossicles.

Keywords

Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine
Volume 8, Issue 4 - Serial Number 4
January 2015
Pages 281-285

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