kama-akool18@mu.edu.iq
ABSTRACT
Camel\'s visual system (Camel\'s eye) displays a high specific degree of development related to the arid environment. It has unique structures necessary to adapt to the windblown desert and sharp night vision. This study aimed to describe the macroscopical features of a clinically healthy dromedary\'s eye. Six pairs of camel eyes were collected from the Al-Muthanna province abattoir. Complete macroscopic anatomy and description were done, all observations were reported, and all samples were kept in 10% formalin for further histological study. The camel\'s eye appeared circular, fully osseous, and bulging laterally. The eyeballs were situated at an identical distance among the nuchal ridge and premaxilla. The long cilia were found on the upper eyelid with a tuft of long cilia and the third eyelid situated dorsally to the medial eye canthus. The outer fibrous membrane comprises an opaque sclera that is outspread in the front of the cornea and covered by thin, transparent conjunctive. The ciliary body was located behind the iris and near the lens. The lens appeared as a transparent, biconvex structure inside the eyeball, while the frontal cavity of the eyeball was filled with intraocular fluids. The muscles in the ciliary body revealed a very open iridocorneal angle. The retina was composed of nerve tissue that outlined the back of the eye. In conclusion, macroscopic ocular features of Arabian camels showed a high degree of development with specific structures associated with adaptation to the arid environment. The authors continue doing the second part, the histological features of the Arabian camel eye.
