Computed tomography and gross anatomical studies on the head of one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius)

Abstract

The current study aimed to document by computed tomography (CT) the anatomical structures of the one-Humped camel head relative to their adaptability to living environments. Seven adult one-Humped camels' heads were used in this study. The structures of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, oral cavity, orbit, and cranium were investigated using computed tomographic scans, cross, and sagittal sections of the head cadavers, and skulls. The study showed the nasal conchae had special properties where the dorsal nasal concha contained the dorsal conchal sinus, the middle nasal concha contained the middle conchal sinus, while the ventral nasal concha did not contain a sinus. The middle nasal concha was large and extended rostral between the dorsal and ventral nasal concha. The nasal meatuses were narrow spaces that suggested adaptability to a desert environment. The paranasal sinuses comprised maxillary, frontal, sphenoidal, lacrimal, and ethmoidal that were identified and labeled according to cheek teeth landmarks. The topographic description and relationship between nasal, oral, orbital, cranial cavities, pharynx, larynx, and paranasal sinuses were demonstrated. The articular disc, articular surface, and joint capsule of the temporomandibular joint were described by CT and cross sectional images. The current CT, cross, and sagittal sections images provide a reference for normal camel head anatomy.

Keywords: anatomy; camel; computed tomography; head.