Microscopic Structure of The Tarsal Crypt System in Camels

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Egypt.

2 Department of Cell and Tissues, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt.

Abstract

The tarsal crypt system is formed by several invaginations in the conjunctiva that house secretory cells, mainly goblet cells, and played a role in the formation of a mucus layer of tear film. Little is known about this system in domestic animals and camels. The purpose of this study was to describe in detail the microscopic structures of the tarsal crypt system in dromedaries. A total of five pairs of eyelids were used for this purpose. The samples were harvested immediately after slaughter from the heads of apparently healthy, adult male camels. The tarsal crypt system in camels was not found only as direct invaginations within the tarsal margin, but also within the tarsal plate itself. A capillary invagination within the tarsal plate with numerous crypts was present. At the entrance of this capillary invagination, a large, wide crypt of about fourth to fifth times the size of the typical crypt was observed. Not all the crypts were typically tubular, some were in the form of shallow grooves. The secretory cells were mostly goblet cells, in addition, different secretory cells were also noticed. The mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue surrounded the perimeter of all crypts and was diffused in lamina propria. The secretory cells within the crypts as well as the associated lymphoid tissue suggested that the tarsal crypt system in Camel may not only have a role in the formation of tear film in dromedaries, but functions in immune defense as a part of the conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissue strongly recommended.

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