Three-dimensional reconstruction of the angioarchitecture of the ciliary body of the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus).
OBJECTIVE
To examine the angioarchitecture of the ciliary body in the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus), through the use of three-dimensional reconstruction.


METHODS
Specimens from West Indian manatee were preserved in 10% buffered formalin, embedded in paraffin, serial sectioned and stained by Masson trichrome for light microscopic three-dimensional reconstruction and evaluation.


RESULTS
The network of blood vessels in the ciliary processes of the West Indian manatee is fed by the major arterial circle that lies mostly near the base of the iris. The branching arterioles give rise to a capillary-sinusoidal bed that extends internally along each process, emptying into two sets of veins, one being elevated. The elevated and nonelevated veins join posteriorly before emptying into the choroidal venous system.


CONCLUSIONS
The angioarchitecture of the ciliary body of the West Indian manatee is clearly unique when compared to those previously examined in land mammals. Three-dimensional reconstruction of paraffin sections is an effective means to evaluate vascular patterns in ocular specimens, especially those unavailable for corrosion casting.
Natiello
Michelle
M
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, USA.
Samuelson
Don
D
D000818:Animals; D001160:Arterioles / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002196:Capillaries / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002924:Ciliary Body / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron / Q000662:veterinary; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D020457:Trichechus manatus / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D014680:Veins / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000648:ultrastructure