Abstract
ABSTRACT
Objective
To describe the gross anatomy of the
orbita
in Huacaya alpacas, identify species‐specific features, and provide comparative anatomical information relevant to clinical ophthalmic practice.
Animals Studied
Nine heads from postmortem donated Huacaya alpacas were used.
Procedures
Two skulls were evaluated to characterize the
orbita
, and six additional heads were analyzed using gross dissection and saw sectioning.
Results
The
orbita
is completely enclosed by bone and protects the
mm. bulbi
and associated
nn. craniales
. The
mm. bulbi
originate mainly around the
can. opticus
and
for. orbitorotundum
, except for the
m
.
obliquus ventralis,
that arises from the
os lacrimale
. Orbital nerves include the
n
.
opticus
, the ocular motor nerves (
n. oculomotorius
,
n. trochlearis
,
n. abducens
), as well as the
n. ophthalmicus
and
n. maxillaris
. With the exception of the
m. obliquus dorsalis
,
m. rectus lateralis,
and the lateral part of the
m. retractor bulbi
, all
mm. bulbi
are innervated by the
n. oculomotorius
. These exceptions are innervated by the
n. trochlearis
and
n. abducens
, respectively.
Conclusions
The macroscopic anatomy of the
orbit
a in Huacaya alpacas largely corresponds to that of domestic animals. However, novel details were identified, including bifurcation of the
n. trochlearis
near the
m. obliquus dorsalis
and fine connecting branches of the
n. ophthalmicus
to adjacent structures. These features warrant further study to support veterinary care and improve understanding of alpaca orbital anatomy.