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Vascularization of the Ciliary Body and Iridocorneal Angle in the Avian Eye
Author(s) -
Reese S.,
Horst Chr.,
Liebich H. G.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
anatomia, histologia, embryologia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.34
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1439-0264
pISSN - 0340-2096
DOI - 10.1111/j.1439-0264.2005.00669_94.x
Subject(s) - schlemm's canal , sinus venosus , anatomy , ciliary body , anterior eye segment , medicine , glaucoma , ophthalmology , cornea , trabecular meshwork
In experimental ophthalmology avian models play an important role in the investigation of the pathophysiology of glaucomas. One major problem in establishing new experimental designs is a deficiency in basic anatomical data of the avian eye bulb. The aim of this study was to give a detailed description of the vascularization of the ciliary body and the iridocorneal angle in the avian eye. The vascular anatomy of the avian eye was studied in 50 birds of different species and orders (Phasianiformes, Accipitriformes, Columbiformes) by light microscopy as well as by stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of corrosion cast specimen. The comparison of the different species revealed that independently of the bird order the vessels were orientated in a similar way, thus enabling to establish a schematic diagram. There is a redundancy in the arterial blood supply of the ciliary body and iridocorneal angle, which is supplied by the circulus arteriosus iridis and the circulus arteriosus. For the first time we were able to create a corrosion cast of the complete avian sinus venosus sclerae by injection of a liquid plastic (Reckli®, Chemiewerkstatt GmbH, Herne, Germany) in the venous system. The sinus venosus sclerae is characterized by a double‐ring like structure. It drains into several vv. ciliares anteriores reaching the circulus venosus sclerae. A clearer understanding of the vascularization of the anterior eye segment, in particular of the sinus venosus sclerae, provides a step forward in experimental ophthalmology, especially regarding glaucoma research based on an avian model.