Fine structure of the pecten oculi of the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
The pecten oculi of the mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) has been examined by light and electron microscopy. In this species, the pecten is of the pleated type and 12–14 accordion folds are joined apically by a heavily pigmented bridge of tissue which holds the pecten in a fanlike shape, widest at the base. It is situated over the optic nerve head and extends out into the vitreous. The entire pecten is enclosed by a fine basal lamina and hyalocytes are often present on its outer surface. Within each fold are numerous capillaries, larger blood vessels, and melanocytes. The capillaries are surrounded by thick fibrillar basal laminae which often contain pericytes. These capillaries display extensive microfolds on both the luminal and abluminal borders. The endothelial cell bodies are extremely thin, with most organelles present in a paranuclear location. The melanocytes, which are most plentiful in the bridge region, form an incomplete sheath around the capillaries and other blood vessels. The morphology of the pecten in the mallard is indicative of a heavy involvement in the transport of materials.