histoanatomical study on the uveal coat of eye in mature ostrich

In the present study, the uveal coats of 20 healthy adult ostriches were studied anatomically and histologically. At first, the appearance, dimension, structure and vicinity of choroid, ciliary body and iris were evaluated macroscopically. Then they were studied microscopically after preparing histological slides and staining by H&E, Verhoeff, Van Gieson, and P.A.S. Tapetum lucidum was not seen in the choroid. The average thickness of ciliary body was measured as 1.48±0.01 centimeters. Moreover, the number of macroscopic ciliary body process in the ostrich eye was about 120. Iris thickness in the normal state is 0.7 centimeters and the diameter of pupil was measured as 1.2 centimeters. Pupil is round shaped in ostrich. There is a hyaline cartilage membrane between the sclera and choroid. There is bruch's membrane in the choroid and the total thickness of the choroid was measured as 350 µm. The ciliary body was supported by a hyaline cartilage. Skeletal muscle fibers in the ciliary body were seen as separated masses. Epithelium is lacking on the anterior surface of the iris. Iridial muscle fibers were smooth. The posterior epithelium of the iris had two pigmented layers with the inner layer acting as myoepithelial cells. In conclusion, the uveal coat of ostrich was similar to other birds although there were little differences in anatomical dimensions and histological characteristics